Conventional/Command control..Are we in between?

[Anonymous]

It seems that ALMOST every article I read (The highest tech layout article excluded) features a big ZW and whatever MTH calls their transformer/controller.

There's lots of photos of fancy control panels with toggle switches. There's lights that flash and blink. Why?

Surely these builders have heard of TMCC? A lot of these layouts were built BEFORE TMCC and many AFTER!! In either case, why are they still using control panels? It's not that difficult to transform an existing layout to TMCC. And if you built your layout within the last three years and have a control panel, please tell me why?

My layout is 21' x 20' with a double main line, elevated passenger service is being built, and my ZW is sitting under the benchwork STORED AWAY! I use the SCII for my switches and I have 153IR controllers for my my crossing gates. Not high tech----Just normal to me. To have a control panel is like having a rotary phone. Come on guys! Touch tone is here to stay!

[rlplionel]

Most of my pre-war and post-war Lionel layout was built before I was aware of TMCC, so I do have a control panel installed. I have three independent track loops and would like to use TMCC for control of all of them, but cannot for two reasons. I operate Lionel RailScope (video camera in a locomotive) on the O27 loop and was told by a TMCC expert that TMCC interferes with the camera signal. So I use a post-war TW transformer for independent control of that loop. My upper level loop is powered by a Lionel Z type transformer, which provides up to 25 volts for my pre-war trains. The maximum recommended voltage for TMCC is 20 volts. I do use TMCC for my lower level O gauge loop. I like the better speed control and more positive whistle and reversing operations that TMCC provides.

And, yes, I still have one rotary phone left in my house. :)

[Anonymous]

I suppose the answer to the question is why some people spend $60,000.00 for a 1967 Corvette (a 36 year old car with dinosaur mechanics and electronics) rather than buy a 2003 model that they could buy and have $25,000 left over. For me, TMCC is too much like a video game. I like to see the green lights on the ZW's, to set the throttle with those big handles, to blow the horn using a different control, etc., etc., etc. Why anyone would want to operate the milk car accessory by remote control is lost on me. I like to stand near the milk car and watch the little guy pu***he cans out.

But that's just my cup of tea; and with those dinosaur ZW's I hope kids will get a more tactile, visceral train experience than handling another remote control that isn't much different from the one they use for the TV, video games, etc.

If you are delighted with your TMCC, great. But there are a lot of people paying big prices for ZW's, non-TMCC postwar Lionel engines, and non-TMCC current product. I have Train America's catalog and spoken extensively with them about converting some power units and I may. But for now I will keep looking at those green lights on the ZW's, fabricate my control panel with the push buttons and toggle switches, and enjoy the heck out of my trains.

[Anonymous]

Fair enough guys. If I sounded condesending, I am sorry. Didn't mean to. You both make valid points. Thank you.

[lionelsoni]

I ran one of my trains as a guest on the local club's layout on Saturday and, as usual, was frustrated by what I suppose was TMCC. It was like a TV remote control with a small red knob that went 'round and 'round with no stop. The track voltage seemed greatly to lag the knob; and I had to look at the lighted passenger cars to tell when there was voltage on the track. It was very tedious to reverse; and the train frequently stalled on one side of the layout before I could get the voltage up to compensate for what must have been bad track connections. I'm sticking with transformers (and old automobiles, for that matter).

[brianel027]

TMCC and DCS for that matter are wonderful things and offer new ways of having fun with trains and new operating capabilities. Look at the case of Neil Young... TMCC gives him the chance to run and operate trains with his disabled son. I've heard of others using the command systems with disabled modelers.
BUT, all the electronics are expensive. Not just the locomotives, but all the electronics needed to run them and run them safely (meaning additional surge protectors, etc.) And not that reliable given the high return rate the industry has suffered from. Everyone I know running TMCC has had to return something for repairs.
Certainly though, the importers have a lot to gain from the 'command' movement. I'm certain they make more money with the electronics in the trains. Though I'm not so certain that the higher prices, confusion and incompatibility between various control systems (and track!) helps the hobby grow or entices young families to get involved. My opersonal experience is that the high prices turn them away.

I run trains for fun, not frustration. So I'll stick with my control panel and my 1033's. But it's a big world and I do feel everyone should feel welcome in this hobby, whether they run command or traditional. Personally, I run my trains on DC current with a rectifier off the transformer. Although I also have a couple of switches so I can go back to AC power for postwar or MPC units. I've pulled circuit boards out of 1/3 of my locos and have been very pleased to find they run smoother and more consistantly on speed... call it a poor man's speed control.

[Anonymous]

Dear MR. Amtrak Jack
Good evening. My name is Adrienne and I have been searching the internet for a lionel model Amtrak train. My first nephew was just born and I want to purchase a set for him for Christmas. I am specifically looking for the Amtrak model because my Father designed Amtrak trains for the Budd company in Philadelphia. I realize that this is terribly off topic but I would appriciate any help.
Thank You,
Adrienne

[Anonymous]

What's all the fuss about I thought running trains was supposed to be a hobby for fun.

[Roger Bielen]

My layout is TMCC using PH's with a TPC so that I can run my non-command engines. I've a control panel to show my track layout with indicator lights and toggles for my switches and buttons for my accessories. Unless you're going to puchase all the bells and whistles to go with TMCC you still need a panel of some sort.

[clinchfieldfan]

I presently have the DCS/TMCC system up and running on my "J" shaped layout. I still have my contol panel complete with toggle switches. I still power off my spur lines and passing sidings to save on the bulbs in my passenger cars/cabooses. I believe that everyone expects to see the control panels because it was standard for toy train layouts to have them for so long.
To adriennefpayne:
Check mth's website for their Amtrak set, their dealer locater should have a train store that still has a set to sale. (mth-railking.com)