I’m starting my first set up for my son and I. We plan on going O gauge with Atlas O track. I have the luxury of starting from scratch and reading all of the great info from everyone to help on decisions for planning the layout and other things. This is going to be something I want to grow extensively for the years to come because I have a good size unfinished dungeon of a basement that is only used to collect junk. The main question is, are there any issues of using one brand of controller and not being able to use all of the options another brand has on their locos and rolling stock? I’m sure this question has been pondered many times. If anyone can direct me to a thread concerning this I’d be greatful.
You will read many opinions on which system is better, which has better sounds, better low speed control, better conventional control, etc. In the end, it is more a matter of what you like. Since you are just getting underway, I hope I can stear you in what I believe to be the right direction. First, I am wiring my layout in a pattern/method that is recommended for DCS (MTH’s control system). This is called the “Star method” by which you have your feeders go in tandem sets for power and common to the track blocks This helps with the DCS signal.
Now, just about all my trains are conventional, and from what I have read, Lionel’s system (TMCC) is better for conventional and is easier to hook up. I am doing this method so that later, down the road if I want to add DCS, the layout is prewired for it and it is a matter of adding the components. I do not intend to add the DCS, but I have that option. Several folks here have done both without trouble, so it is easily done and they can help you with that.
I would recommend that you get Neil B’s book on command control from Kalmback (the owners of CTT and this web site). The book gives a good idea of the benefits to each system and explains how to wire for that system. It is inexpensive and well worth the price. Also, I recently purchased the TM video called Building your O Gauge Layout, that has most of the needed information for everything from wiring and benchwork, to scenery, etc.
Lastly, Welcome to this wonderful forum.[#welcome]
The basics of Command Control are not easy but Lionel’s TMCC system is used by more companies than MTH’s DCS or PS-2 system & DCS only works with MTH stuff. Some people say that TMCC is less expensive than DCS, my comment is that DCS cost me $280.00 plus $90.00 for the AIU for accessories. TMCC may run some of the DCS/PS-2 features but not all so you will need both systems if you buy both MTH DCS and Lionel TMCC.
Far as Atlas track goes you may want to stear in the direction of TMCC, even Atlas trains come with TMCC.
Don’t know how TMCC controls accessories and switches.
You would be wise to do some foot work and see what each system can or can not do.
You have come to a great place. I’m a newbie myself and get a lot of great advice here. One place to check on threads for How To’s is the first thread on the main page. Also, use of the search function at the bottom of the page is a big help.
Lisa
PS - noticed that your “joined” date is 2/14 --it’s the 13th here - wondering where you are from?
Six or seven years ago, (maybe even 8) I had the same question, so I visited two train shops, TAS and Davis, both in Ohio and asked them to explain to me TMCC. They did a great job and I bought TMCC. Why didn’t they show me MTH’s DCS system? Because it had not hit the market at that time. [oops]
TMCC will run switches, accessories, lights, sounds, track power, etc. At least it works on my layout. I use the CAB-1 to turn on and off the “fire” in the switch tower and the music on the Hobo Water Tower. The farm sounds are tuned on/off from the CAB-1. Switches are switched, too. I use three SC-2 TMCC controllers to run everything.
I have had the chance to run the MTH system and it is a great system. I started with TMCC and everything seems working great, so why would I…
Thanks for the info everybody. It does seem I’ve stumbled on a great page. I’m getting great info from everywhere. I am writing from today 2-13-07 @ 3:00 pm central time from a southwest Chicago suburb. No worm holes here that distort the space - time continum that I’m aware of. By the way, the weather is great. 30 mph winds and 6" of snow.
I am thinking of getting a Lionel starter set and improving on that later with the Atlas track. I so great now days to learn from other peoples mistakes and discoveries. Now I don’t have to waste time & money
There are a number of questions that need to be answered…
Do you intend to only run command control engines? If so from which manufacturer? If both, then you will need a DCS system AND a TMCC system. Lionel is also coming out with TMCC II later this year, so that complicates matters a bit more. I would recommend purchasing one system, and then if you decide to purchase engines from another manufacturer purchase the other system, and run each on seperate lines that DO NOT cross. That way you can have fun with both systems. If you are going TMCC then I would recommend waiting till TMCC II is released later this year.
I have all Lionel engines and accessories so I went with TMCC, and wish I had waited for TMCC II, I will be getting the TMCC II system when it is released and using that on my main layout, I will also be getting a DCS system and installing that on a seperate main line. That way I can use PS2 engines on one line and TMCC & TMCCII engines on the other line. I will also be able to intermix the Lionel and MTH accessories since I will have both systems.
Now the question still remains if TMCC II and DCS can be used on the same track at the same time or seperately (PS2 engine crosses over to Track 1 and remains under PS2 control, TMCCI/II engine crosses from Track 1 to Track 2 and remains under TMCC II control). I think this will be possible but only if you use DPDT switches to control the blocks and what transformer the blocks are receiving their power from. The key would be to NOT cross an engine from the TMCC block to the DCS block…
I need to buy everything! Seriously, I am in the beginning phase and doing as much homework as I can. I’m going to start small with a 4X8 sheet, and I read the post on the Homasote and I’m very intrigued. I will be checking that out.
Pazamm,
Personnally I would steer AWAY from a starter set. I would recommend one of the Lionel Legacy sets (I know they are pricey but you can’t beat their components and expandability). Where you would THINK the transformers that ship with these sets would be DCS (MTH Starter) compatible, or TMCC (Lionel Starter) compatible, they are NOT.
That is why I recommend the Legacy Empire Sets, they come with the Legacy controller, ZW transformer, track (with O-72 switches), and nice engines and rolling stock.
This is not advice…just “my story”. My layout is only 5x8, 2 loops/2 trains. I saw no real advantage to having a “remote” system…except that it frustrated me to have my passenger cars lights dim when the train was going slow, or off, when stopped and not in “neutral” (my passenger cars contain over 100 figures that I hand-painted). I decided to go with TMCC since Lionel had made a semi-scale PRR K4 and GG1 that I wanted to run. The one-wire hook-up to my 2 CW80’s took about 5 minutes. To my surprise, I’m now running my trains far more now than I ever did. Better yet, my 2 1/2 year-old Grandson can run them as well, since the Cab1 controller is very simple/basic.
Some of my friends, who have VERY large layouts, run both systems. Although I personally feel that TMCC is more “simple”, I do like the DCS controller “thumb wheel” better than the TMCC “red wheel”. I just had a Williams scale brass engine converted to TMCC so I could run in on my modular groups layout at shows. At present, we are 100% TMCC, but would like to be set up with both in the future. I think the problem has to do with a effective range of DCS being about 70’, and our modular layout can reach 100’ long. By the way, ours will be the layout operating at York in April '08. Joe
Think there was a questiona bout running both systems on the same track. I just did it. You “sign on” your engines with both remotes [Cab1 and DCS remote], turn the throttle [red knob with Cab1 and wheel with DCS remote] and away they go. Was pulling long line of bathtub gons with a three engine lashup in TMCC. Split out and pushed the gons into the sidings with a MTH switcher. FUN
Since you say that you are “just starting out”, with no previous model railroading equipment to incorporate into your layout, you may want to postphone any major purchases until you have a chance to test Lionel’s new Legacy train command system.
It will be necessary to use their new system to access the advanced Legacy features in their current catalog, and those that will be introduced for many years to come.
The current timetable for Legacy’s release (according to Lionel’s shipping schedule) is this coming April. However, it may be a month or two after that, when most of the reviews regarding the pros and cons of this new system are published in the trade magazines and discussed on the train forums.
Also, while the Atlas track system is widely used, their switches have been problematic.
Lionel’s Fastrack system seems to be favored by both oldtimers and newbies, in the hobby.
Welcome to the hobby of model railroading!! It’s loads of fun (and work, too!!) [:)]
Thanks for all the advice. I’ve been thinking of going with the Lionel set up due to the easy availability so I’ll stick to that. Adding a different loop for a different maker would not be an issue down the line.
I would encourage you to visit at least 4 private layouts that use both systems and actually run some trains. Most train folks are more than happy to open their layouts to those just getting started or who have been in the hobby for years. I’m serious, take advantage of other’s opinions and then use that knowledge to build your empire.
I waited for DCS to come out and I haven’t been sorry. With that said, I run mostly PS2 engines and a few Lionel steamers, it will run both. I am now waiting for TMCC II to come out and I will add that because there are several Lionel loco’s that I want to add in the future.
I consider myself “old school” for most things but I can’t imagine not using a remote to run my trains, I love it. I can walk all over the trainroom and visit with friends and be in complete control… most of the time [:)]
Think carefully about your track selection. I’m at the point of no return with my MTH Realtrax, it just kind of took over. If I could do anything over I would use Gargraves. However, none of my visitors have ever said “your layout would sure look better with XYZ track”. Maybe they are just being nice but 99% of the people who visit our train room are not train hobbyists and they think everything is cool just the way it is.
Lastly, here is a shameless link of our layout. Most of the folks here have seen it already but I still like to show it off!