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5 replies

Controlling MTH PS2 and PS3 trains using Lionel Legacy

Kyle MillerKyle MillerOGR Forum Member

After many side discussion on the 'Mike retires and MTH closing post', Can we start a new post with this info - Controlling MTH Trains in Legacy Environment ? I've got several MTH engines PS2 and PS3 and operate with TMCC/Legacy control. Trying to avoid the duplication and headaches of adding DCS on top.

I saw the post showing the availability of DCS commands using the Legacy Powermaster. Are there any options when using the ZW-C Controller with the 180 watt bricks? I have Legacy and TMCC connected together as instructed by Lionel, but have resisted adding the DCS system on top of it.

I have about a dozen MTH engines, which I run in semi conventional mode on my Legacy/TMCC loops.

My layout is a double loop with a passing siding about 28' long x 12' wide narrowing to 6' in parts.

I have two upper level loops as well, running on a Postwar ZW with the ground connected to the Legacy/TMCC base so I can run Conventional or Legacy/TMCC up there if I need to. Maybe I should just pull the ground wire off and make the upper level a small MTH DCS controlled area?

thanks for any and all advice ! 2020-09-15 23.55.122020-09-15 23.55.472020-09-09 23.03.232020-09-09 23.05.352020-08-04 00.49.032020-08-05 23.34.242020-07-11 20.27.50

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Images (7)
  • 2020-09-15 23.55.12: Upper level double loop, right side, and lower level double loop at ground level
  • 2020-09-15 23.55.47: Upper level left side
  • 2020-09-09 23.03.23: Engine house location on my 'Horseshoe curve'.
  • 2020-09-09 23.05.35: Engine house service track looking towards upper level in distance
  • 2020-08-04 00.49.03: Looking down my 28 foot run
  • 2020-08-05 23.34.24: Horseshoe curve end 72 and 63 radius turns
  • 2020-07-11 20.27.50: A glut of CN power
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L LandsteinerOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

If you frequently run these MTH locos, investing in a TIU/DCS handheld or TIU/WIU could make sense, if you can tolerate the risk of having an unsupported system down the road. 

You can always go back to running them conventionally with a Legacy Powermaster or gradually converting them to TMCC via ERR products should you not enjoy DCS or find yourself with a non-serviceable system.

Only you can weigh the upside and downside in your situation.

Kyle MillerKyle MillerOGR Forum Member

Thanks everybody for the excellent info and advice. I didn't realize the TPC and Legacy Powermaster combination had that capability. The model train Gods have been listening too and I just acquired a TIU and Handheld remote for a great price, so I'm finally going to bite the bullet and give DCS a try on my TMCC layout!   

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