Can you run MTH and Lionel on the same layout?

[gvdobler]

Before I get too much invested.

I'm not taking a poll, I just wondered if you would do a new layout with Lionel's Fastrack or MTH's Scaletrack (the one with the roadbed.)  I've got about 250 sq ft to work with.

Which control system do you like and can they run each other's stuff.  I don't want to try to run a Betamax movie on a VHS player, but they both have some neat stuff.

[jefelectric]

The short answer is yes you can.  The longer answer is it is not all that difficult.  To run both of the control systems you must buy both, but you really can run them both with the DCS handheld.  If you are new to this and you want a quick lesson, I suggest you buy the OGR videos on the subjects of DCS & TMCC.

As far as track goes, that is a mater of personal opinion.  I have half Realtrax (old section of layout) and half Atlas O (new section of layout).  If I were starting over it would all be Atlas.

I am sure you will get a lot of different advice on this subject.  Read all the advice and then make your own decision.

[chuck]

You can run them both on the same layout, you will need both command bases and both remotes (there are a lot of TMCC functions that are not carried over thru the DCS remote).  Particularly lashup functions and some programming features required to set up a TMCC loco.

Track is a matter of personal likes/dislikes.  I had RealTrax and it was OK for floor layouts.  I have switched over to FastTrack for floor layouts.  I like the track profile of Atlas but I really prefer the wood ties of Gargraves style track (IMHO, Ross's version is the best looking with real ties, spikes on each ties, and no webbing).  Ross also makes a nice foam road bed product that looks a lot better than Atlas version (which looks like cheap carpet padding).

[phillyreading]

I don't know that much about TMCC & DCS systems but can tell you that Fastrac has a differant curve diameter than 031 tubular track, even the wider radius curves are larger diameter-instead of 042 you now have 048 or better.  Realtrac by MTH uses about the same curve size as Lionel's Fastrac.  Fastrac or Realtrac is difficult to cut to size because of the ends on the track.

GarGraves track has tighter radius curves if room is a problem for you and adapts better to O gauge tubular track or 027 track than Atlas's new track. The track selection is very good with GarGraves, more differant sized curves than Lionel or MTH or Atlas.  Ross Custom switches work with GarGraves track and NO adapter pins are needed.  GarGraves switches need a differant device than Lionel or MTH to use with thier switches, usually a DZ1000 switch machine is sold with GarGraves switches & can have a DZ1008 hooked up to control accessories from the switch.  The DZ products are sold separately from DZ Industries and can be purchased from Ross Custom Switches website. However there is one bad thing about GarGraves track and that is it can be damaged easier than other tubular track, example a derailment of a heavy locomotive.

Lee F.

 

[laz 57]

I have bot TMCC and DSC on my layout.  I can run either ones with respective remotes.  But I also have the newer ZW and like to run the MTHs with my TMCC Cab 1 on tracks 1 and 4 that are in conventional mode.  It will allow me to operate the horn bell and forward and reverse.

Just my 2 cents.

laz57

[dbaker48]

I suggest you buy the OGR videos on the subjects of DCS & TMCC.

 

The best advice you could possibly get!  Well worth the investment!  The videos do a great job, and really will answer a lot of questions, AND reveal so many possibilities.

[ChiefEagles]

I suggest you buy the OGR videos on the subjects of DCS & TMCC.

 

The best advice you could possibly get!  Well worth the investment!  The videos do a great job, and really will answer a lot of questions, AND reveal so many possibilities.

10-4 to that.  [I run both, use Cab1 for TMCC and DCS Remote for DCS].