Hello to everyone. I’m new to the forum. I read it for a while(a lurker) and always enjoyed so I joined up in order to participate. I recently took down my layout (10x6) in order to start a new one. My layout was 7yrs. old using Lionel tubular and running Lionelpost war steam trains with a KW transformer. It was my first endeavor and I always enjoyed it. I’m currently in the planning and information gathering process for a newer and larger layout. I’m swithing to Gargraves track( some of the reading on this sort of concerns me) and their swithches. I learned a lot but yet have much to learn still. One question is exactly what is DCS. I intend to run some sort of remote control system on the new layout so I’m trying to incorporate it into the planning. I will be using RR Track for the actul plan. Thanks. I’m enjoying this forum nearly daily now!
Amos, welcome to the forum. I’m sort of new at posting on here myself even though I have been a lurker for a long time. I have belonged to the other forum for a long time though. I use DCS on my layout and love it. It is a digital control system. I’ll let someone with more know how than me explain it. I ran just conventional for a long time but since using DCS, I would never go back. I can’t comment on TMCC system because I don’t have it. As far as track goes, I use some Gargraves and some tubular. I use Ross switches. As far as I’m concerned, they are the best switches on the market and I have used a lot of different kinds. Ray
Welcome Amos. You will find the folks on the Forum knowledgeable, helpful and patient.
Jack
[#welcome] amos,
The system that you want to know about is called DCS; a form of Command Control or digital remote control.
MTH(Mike’s Train House) makes DCS and Lionel makes TMCC, not totally compatible with each other. May need to have both systems to run both TMCC & DCS, talking a little bit of money to get started around $300.00 for either system. Each system has it’s own add on control box for switches and accessories, the add on control boxes start at $100.00.
From what I have read on here if you want to control post war trains you need to get a TPC 300, I think that Lionel makes it.
For track GarGraves and Ross switches go together without any adapter pins needing to be used. Another fact about GarGraves track is that ALL rails are insulated from each other, unlike Lionel tubular track that only has the center rail insulated from the two outside rails.
Lee F.
Welcome!
The TPC 300 will run (1) PW Lionel engine at a time with CAB-1 remote. If you plan to run MTH engines you’ll need the TPC 400.
Please post your new layout, I’d lve to see it!
Kurt
[#welcome] aboard !!!
As far as the different control systems, DCS/DCC/TMCC, I think it should be based on the brands of locos that you will be buying.
TMCC, Currently being used by Atlas, Weaver and Lionel as factory installed. Plus there is after-market stuff available for upgradeing most any brand loco out there.
DCS, Currently is only available in MTH locos and there is no other after-market suppliers for DCS upgrades.
DCC, Essentially used in the two railer world in most all scales due to DC ops, I think.
Personally I like and use both DCS & TMCC on the club’s layout, the only difference being that DCS offers more operating features but also can be very finicky at times. Initial expense can be a bit higher for DCS I believe. Both systems can operate in conventional thru the hand held units so you aren’t tied to the throttle on the transformer.
Are there any clubs or operating layouts in your area where you could observe and learn something about the systems ?
Thanks for all replies- I’m glad I asked. I run Lionel so when this all comes together I will need to choose between TMCC and Legacy- We’ll see. It will be a while before I’m ready for it. I really intend to take my time with this in order to enjoy it and know I have done my "homework: in advance. Regarding a club in my area, our only train shop shut down last year and I’m not certain about any clubs. I suppose that’s something else for me to check on. Again, thanks for the replies. They are much appreciated. I also don’t want to deal with something that is too complicated. I am an auto mechanic specialiizing in performance so I’m very familier with electronics, wiring,and trouble shooting electrical circuits. This may contribute to the notion that I don’t want to spend alot of time trouble shooting or diagnosing problems on the layout as I do this for a living on cars. I intend to make this enjoyable and I’m sure it will be. I’m lookig forward to starting over.
Welcome Amos, Just thought I would add this to the comments, for about $140. and an AC train transformer you can run TMCC which all companys but MTH use. Not every engine made is command equipped though.
Welcome Amos! I recently picked up a TMCC base and controller on ebay really cheap and they work great. I bought a TPC 400 from an online dealer and I think my total investment was much less than $200. Also, if you feel like dropping in sometimes and just saying hi and what’s up with you, you should check out Chief’s Coffee Pot and Sweet Ice Tea thread.
Forgot to say, try checking out www.coilcouplers.com . There is a pretty good tutorial on setting-up and using TMCC. I don’t know of any similar sites for DCS, if someone else knows of one maybe they will post a link here.
Wow! Brutus, I’ll have to keep an eye out for a deal
like that. Base, controller, and tpc 400 for under two hundred is great.
Here’s a question. I’ve gone to Lowe’s and Home Depot and neither knows what homasote is-neither do I. I bought a 4x8 sheet of styrofome 1/2 inch thick made from Dow. Builders use it on outer walls of houses Before the walls go. It’s very dense and seems like it would do well for noise. It’s experimental so I’ll see. I’d like to use easy to access materials.
Amos, As far as the foam is concerned there is agreat deal of debate as far as which is better , pink or blue. General consensus for styrofoam is not very good.
The Celotex company, forgot their web addy, I believe makes homasote and another product called “Sound Stop or Board” and is better and cheaper than Homasote. However it may be a special order item depending on your location. Scroll thru the “Sticky” at the top of the page, kinda of an info spot for newbis & oldies alike, there mite be some info in one of the listings.
You must be in the South. Dougsnotagrump [what I call him because he is not a grump but a nice guy] is right. Mostly in the South, Homasote is not available except by special order. The same may be true for Soundstop. I could not get the 2" or more foam insulation boards [pink or blue] except by special order. I opted for the Soundstop as it was cheaper. It can be dusty [especially when cut]. I cut mine [except for a few little things] outside. A coat of laytex paint seals it and dusting is gone. Holds screws outstandly well. I’m very well pleased with it. Good luck.
amos,
For a pretty good thread on foundation materials for toy trains, including Homasote, try:
http://cs.trains.com/forums/1/1277838/ShowPost.aspx#1277838
The Homasote website includes a history of their products, potential uses (including model railroading) and lists of dealers by state, zip code and area code. Home Depot carries it in some parts of the country but not all, apparently. Wherever you try to buy it, you should call ahead to determine whether the dealer has it in stock or sells it by special-order only.
A complete and careful reading of the Homasote website can be quite informative:
http://www.homasote.com/home.html
I have personally used Homasote on two layouts and liked everything about it except the amount of dust that was raised when cutting it with a power saw – definitely not an indoor project. Other methods of cutting may be preferable, such as scoring-and-snapping, a la drywall. See “Tips for Handling Homasote – Cutting” on their website.