On my current layout, I operate both Command and Conventional Lionel trains with a Legacy #990 Command Set and a Legacy 180W Powerhouse/Powermaster Combo for power. I'm planning to build a larger, more extensive layout in the future. To run the trains, I will continue to use Legacy, but I am debating adding MTH DCS (if DCS continues to be manufactured and supported). I want to discuss an interesting idea I've had in my head for a few months. The question: how does an O-Gauge hobbyist run conventional locos with both DCS and Legacy/TMCC on the same layout? Running command-control locos with both systems is easy. See this guide from the MTH DCS website for details. However, this guide does not allow conventional control with Legacy, only DCS. I'd like to propose a possible simple solution.
To hook up both DCS and Legacy and/or TMCC, you will need the following products:
-Legacy #990 Command Set or Legacy Cab-1L/Base-1L set
-Optional TMCC Command Set
-DCS TIU
-MTH TIU-Legacy/TMCC 6' Connector Cable
-Any AC Transformers (maximum of 4; 1 per TIU input)
-Optional external power supply for TIU
-Optional DCS Wi-Fi (WIU) and AIU(s)
-Optional Lionel LCS Wi-fi and LCS DB-9 Starter Cable (required for LCS set-up)
-If LCS is integrated, you will need an LCS SER2 and an LCS PDI cable (any size); all other LCS devices are optional
With this set-up, an operator can run any command-controlled loco with either control system, and with DCS, any conventional loco.
However, I am trying to figure out how to use Legacy (and/or TMCC) and DCS to run conventional locos at the same time. I think I have a possible simple solution which has two steps.
-First: Power each track through the TIU with 180W Powerhouse and Powermasters (or a ZW-C or ZW-L). For my set-up idea, the TIU must have an external power supply. With this set-up, the DCS and Legacy systems will both run in command mode and the DCS system has 2 outputs for conventional control.
-Second: Between each PH/PM pair or ZW output, wire a Double Pole-Double Throw (DPDT) switch that will switch track power from powering each track through the TIU and directly powering the tracks from the Lionel power supplies. Also, for conventional control, the PMs or ZW must be set in conventional mode.
With this set-up, an operator could run a conventional loco with Legacy/TMCC and DCS at the same time (but not on the same track).
What do you think?
