Control Systems

[Frank53]

It seems the subject of controls is giantly popular. I admit, in this regard, I know nothing.

On my last layout, I used two very original (50 year old) ZW Transformers, and a Z. I also have a 1033 and an original and stil working #1029.

Granted it took a lot of attention to run these trains, make sure teh switches were all green upon approach, etc, etc.

I am pretty much bound and determined to make my next, and most ambitious layout completely post war lionel, using this old and original equipment.

Am I shortchanging myself on this stance? What am I missing by not incorporating these new control systems?

Further, there is so much neat stuff that is outside the post war product line - subways, passanger cars, different and interesting trolleys beyong the #60, etc. Again, am I being too much of a traditionalist and limiting myself too greatly?

Appreciate any feedback . . .

[Jim Duda]

Frank - my $.02...
I drive an old car without electronic ignition, fuel injection, computer controls, A./C and THOROUGHLY enjoy "doing it the old way". But honestly, I don't know if I would enjoy driving it exclusively as an only means of transportation. "New technology" does have advantages...(better sound systems, better gas mileage, better creature comforts, less maintenance - when is the last time you've had to change mufflers, points, plugs, etc.?) So I drive both...

Focusing back to toy trains, I applaud your efforts on a "pure" PW layout, but if it were me, I'd add a small segment of the new technology (TMCC/DCS) to it somewhere so you can occasionally enjoy all the "Bells and Whistles" (excuse the pun) just to enjoy the contrast. That way, you have the best of both worlds.

You'll hear many views on this but just follow YOUR preference...

[lionelsoni]

Frank, I don't think you're missing anything. I occasionally bring something to a train show; and the local club graciously lets me run it on their TMCC layout. However, it always feels somewhat like trying to play a violin with gloves on. That is, I don't feel like I'm personally running the train. However, if anything, I'm even more of a Luddite than Jim--and I wouldn't be surprised if my automobiles are older than his too!

[jimhaleyscomet]

Frank,

First of all know that I am a wiring and command control novice.

Both DCS and TMCC can be hooked up so that conventional operation is not easy. However, both systems can also be hooked "downstream" of your post war transformers (be sure to add a fuse for DCS) and conventional operation remanins a breeze. I too like to operate both in conventional and DCS/TMCC. It really is the best of worlds and (if hooked to the DCS variable channels) post war operation does not suffer at all.

Operating conventional (with blocks) and command control at the same time may be tricky. I like to keep my conventional engine operating sessions (voltage regulated speed) separate from my command control engines operating sessions (command regulated speed).

I say going post war control is fine. You can add command control later.

Jim H

[Anonymous]

Geez Guys,

There is a bone stock 1940 Ford in my garage that I was driving to work (40 miles round trip) until about two years ago. I would still be driving it if not for family issues that prevented working on it.

I am with JIm on this one-I would make sure to include DCS/TMCC so that I could run anything out there, old and new. If you still like the feel of the transformer handle sometimes, an original ZW or a new Z4000 can be used with command control.

We run pre-war, post war, O gauge and standard gauge, TMCC and PS-2, all through DCS. It works great.

You can have your cake and eat it too!

[wrmcclellan]

Frank53,

First of all do what makes you happy and keeps the hobby enjoyable. The PW style is what many in the hobby enjoy the most. Certainly TMCC & DCS are not nostalgic, but they can be a lot of fun.

Do go and check out the new systems at a friends, hobby shop, etc., and spend some time learning it so you can see if there is something you might like. Do not let an initial negative impression if that occurs shade your thinking. Try it again.

If you get any modern stuff - it all works as conventional, but many features are not available. You will be able to blow the horn/whistle - but you will not get any of the neat effects such as "dipping" the whistle blast like you can in TMCC (my favorite). You will also not have any of the speech effects (passenger announcements - crew talk, etc.).

In my view - TMCC is the simplest to operate & Railsounds offers best horn/whistle control. DCS is more sophisticated and is superior for double heading completely different locos (particularly steamers - TMCC can only double head identical locos - i.e. exact same motor, gearing, and wheel size).

Good luck in your decision.
Roy