MTH DCS and Lionel TMCC

[Anonymous]

Hello, I am new to O-gauge, (11 months) and this forum, and I would like some help and input. I have collected my rolling stock, 5 engines, and bits and pieces over the last year. I'm ready to build a layout. I need some help in choosing my control system, but I don't want to start a war over Lionel vs MTH... I just want to know how each of the systems work for people, advantages/dis-advantages, hints, ect. I don't want to know what is "best"... looking at the sales info for the two systems seems to indicate one system is "best" for some people/equipment, and the other is "best" for different people/equipment, but the sales info confuses me... Any thoughts/experiences/advice would be helpful, especially from those familiar with both systems.

Thanks

[Anonymous]

Hi VirginianRail,

I only own a couple of TMCC locos, but I played with DCS extensively. I think they're both great systems and they add a lot to the toy train experience. DCS has a much higher start-up cost, but it is considerably more elaborate than TMCC. It uses two-way communication between the engine and remote. PS2 engines have excellent cruise control built right in. A DCS setup can control TMCC engines (with an extra Lionel transmitter) - TMCC can only control PS2 engines in conventional mode. DCS has a much more modern remote with a display.

TMCC is the older system, somewhat less complex, but still very, very effective. You can get started for $100 plus the cost of the engine - an excellent value. (As opposed to DCS which will run about $270 plus the cost of the engine-also a good value as you get a lot for your $.) It is fairly simple to convert older Lionel, MTH, American Flyer, ect. equipment to TMCC. Several other manufacturers offer TMCC equipment. That's important to me. The computer command set is openly available for TMCC - DCS is propriatary, if you want to play with computer control. The old, clunky TMCC Cab-1 remote works just fine. Cruise control for TMCC seems less evolved, but reports say it's getting better and it is now possible to add it to older locos. (Thanks TAS!)

Do it, man. Either one is tons of fun!

[dougdagrump]

You said you already have 5 locos but didn't specify the makers. If, for instance, your existing equipment is already TMCC equiped or upgradeable it seems that, logically speaking, TMCC would be the way to go. Currently I have only a few command equipped locos so I went with TMCC, primarily due to lower start-up cost and the fact that several other makers are also using the same system.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, grump and 2037, for the input. As per loco's, I have 2 K-Line TMCC Trainmasters, and 4 various Lionel/Willimas non-command. As per accessories, I will start small, except for length of track... I plan on the main line loop of about 70 feet. I would like to lash-up the Trainmasters...

[Big_Boy_4005]

The logical choice at this point is to go with TMCC, as you already have a couple of engines ready to go. One nice thing is that there are kits available to upgrade your other engines to TMCC. I understand that MTH has only recently started to offer such kits for DCS, but they are expensive compared to the ones for TMCC.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, all, for the help !!

[Anonymous]

I run both systems and they both exist without any problems, TMCC is the easiest to hook up- 1 wire but DCS is the most fun and years ahead of TMCC technology wise. Whatever mfg. makes the engine i want thats the one i buy be it Lionel, MTH or somebody else. TMCC works great as does DCS, the choice is yours, have fun no matter what.

Dave

[spankybird]

As you presently have only TMCC engines your better choose my be TMCC. The entree cost of $100.00 will only allow you to operate your TMCC engines with the Cab 1.

The other cost you may end up spending is:

Power Master (to run convention engines from your Cab 1 = $66.00

TPC (300) (to operate PS2 engines in Conventional mode only) = $94.00

Action recorder (Make recordings of your favorite layout scenarios and play them over
and over again. Record layout scenarios using your trains and
accessories) = $62.00

You should also have a surge protector (Scott’s Odd-n-ends) to protect all your electronics = $50.00 (approx. – depending on which one you buy)

Total cost is now = $372.00

DCS does cost more but has all of the above built into it. = $270.00

IF you add a TMCCcommand base (to also control TMCC engines) = $45.00
Cable to connect TMCC command base = $20.00
Total = $335.00

You will spend the about the same amount. The one advantage with DCS, it will run both MTH and TMCC engines in Command.

The prices are based from:

http://www.hobbystation.net/tmcc.html