MTH AND DCS

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I’m thinking about going MTH, if I do this I’m hearing that I can’t lash the engines, can any one tell me how true this is?

Thank you, Roger Oesch

2

It depends,

Assuming you’re talking about HO scale: What model are you looking at? What control system are you using? Some of MTH’s earlier models did not have cv’s for advanced consisting but could still be lashed using universal or old style consisting. Also what do you want to lash to? Other MTH loco’s or other manufactures loco’s? MTH loco’s have a reputation of not playing well with other manufactures loco’s and control systems. This is especially true of earlier models, however MTH is starting to make improvements in it’s Proto-Sound 3 system to make their loco’s more compatible with others. A little more information will get you a more accurate answer.

Jamie

3

Jamie,

I will be using HO scale and also buying MTH Engines, I would like to use the MTH DCS Commander. What little I know is that MTH is a stand alone system/company, so I wont be buying any other system for now. Also I’m hearing and watching on “you tube” (mistake?), that if I use MTH HO I can only use the commander anyways Which is fine, the problem is I can’t find a video that explains how to lash and weather or not if I do lash can i run a engine or two in reverse in lash mode!

I hope this will help you with the rest of your answer to me…

Thank again Roger

4

If you use DCS control in HO scale, you are pretty much limited to MTH engines. They do not sell DCS decoders separately, so you can’t retrofit locomotives from other manufacturers to work on the DCS control system.

There is some compatibility for some MTH engines if you run DCC, however. You won’t get the full set of features, but you can run MTH locos with other brands.

5

Hi Roger,

Since you want to go with DCS, you have three options for running your MTH engines in command mode.

  1. DCS Remote Commander - $40
  2. DCS Commander - $160
  3. DCS System - $300

Of the three, only the full DCS system supports lash-ups (referred to as consists outside of O-gauge). What you want is MTH item #50-1001. You must run your HO engines on DC current when using the DCS system. It’s a simple hook-up of two wires from a DC transformer into the Track Interface Unit (TIU) and two wires out of the TIU to the track. The system comes with one TIU and one wireless remote.

Hope that helps.

6

And so goes the quest to have a command system that can be used with all equipment and standards. Thought we were doing pretty good with DCC. Personally I will stay with DCC as my operating system and shun any products that don’t run on it.

Bob

7

I think the market has forced MTH to give in and provide some level of DCC compatability to their HO decoders. Some engines are even available with DCC jacks instead of DCS decoders, if you want that option.