I currently just run lionel engines on my layout, i have lionchief, lionchief+2.0 and a legacy engine. What would i need to start running one of the newer railking engines.
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You didn't say how you are running your current engines- conventional or command?
What is your track power source- a variable transformer with whistle and bell buttons, or a fixed constant voltage source? AC or DC?
I'm saying this, because it's possible you started with Lionchief set that came with a DC constant track power source.
If you have a variable AC source (Z1000, CW-80, other Lionel older transformer) then you can run in conventional.
If you want command control of an MTH engine, you need an MTH command system.
There are several levels:
Most basic is the DCS remote commander set https://mthtrains.com/50-1033 Note that it requires you to reset an engine to factory defaults so that it can communicate. In other words, if you run your engines say at a club layout with DCS, and then take them home, because they were added to DCS and have a new ID, it has to be reset for this device to work.
Next tier is the MTH DCS explorer (the silver box) https://mthtrains.com/50-1035 These came either as separate sale or did come in some of the starter sets. It uses the DCS application on your 3rd party tablet or phone. Note it has some limitations (no more than 3 engines, cannot use upgrade license features, cannot operate some advanced features).
I personally recommend using either of the above powered with either a Z500 power brick by MTH, or the Z1000 power brick. There are ways to use other sources- but that is my strong recommendation.
Next up is the MTH standard TIU and remote or TIU+WIU, and eventually the new WTIU which is a TIU+ WIU in one box.
The locomotive can be operated conventionally without any additional equipment; to operate the locomotive with a remote you will need either the DCS Explorer, or a TIU plus either a remote or the WiFi Module.
The DCS Explorer can only control 3 MTH locomotives at once but is more cost effective than full DCS; the TIU and remote are out of production, and as such command premium prices.
-John
Im looking to run them by a remote or app. I have a zw that im using currently.
I guess your telling me like with the legacy engine either have to wait for new system to come out or pay through the nose for system
actually worse then legacy, i can run my legacy engine with the app
@Ohio Jeff posted:I guess your telling me like with the legacy engine either have to wait for new system to come out or pay through the nose for system
With the currently available MTH command options, you're limited to conventional. MTH has no command option that is currently in the retail channel, only available on the used market. Like you say, with Lionel you can run with BlueTooth, but that's it right now.
Thanks everyone
