I’m about to take the dive into a command control system. I have a large layout and collection of post-war Lionel, but plan to start purchasing the newer locos, especially steam. Could I get some un-biased opinion/comparisons to help me decide beyween the Legacy and MTH systems?
Thanks; Pullmanson
… fasten your seat belts, there is some turbulence ahead!
Try this thread: TMCC or DCS - Classic Toy Trains Magazine
As Bob suggests, read the past threads. Both systems have good points and folks who love each. I would suggest two things:
get a copy of Neil B’s book on Command Control and read it. It has plenty of information to help you both make an informed decision and to set up the system you go with.
visit a hobby shop or club that will let you see the systems in action to make you more familiar with them.
I have set my wiring up to accept DCS, but have Legacy on the layout. (Star wiring), you will learn about this. I like the fact that Lionel has licensed others to use the TMCC technology which expands the available engines that use it, and also, have allowed after market companies to sell kits to make about any engine command equipped. MTH does have some nice engines, and I have one, but I am converting it to TMCC. You will need a TPC to be able to run conventional engines. You should go to “Coil Couplers”, a web site that explains TMCC pretty well.
Good Luck,
dennis
[#welcome] pullmason,
While Lionel has the market almost corned with TMCC and Legacy systems, you need to know if it is for you!
MTH’s PS-2 or DCS system will run MTH mainly, may run TMCC some but you will be limited unless you buy the Lionel TMCC base and add it to the DCS system by MTH.
Also TMCC or Legacy won’t run all the features of PS-2, so you must have both command systems if you have both companies locomotives. Which is best? You decide on what meets your needs!
Adding either TMCC or PS-2 to any locomotive will get expansive so try to buy one already equipped.
PS…trying to stay nuetral on this issue.
Lee F.
I believe that last time we asked about command control use on one of our surveys, 51% said they only operated conventionally, 32% used TMCC, 6% used DCS and 11% used both TMCC and DCS.
The first survey we asked about command control usage was 1998, and 84% only used conventional control and 16% used TMCC.
FWIW.