Converting Older Lionel Engines

You should at least take the Styrofoam off the locomotives to run them!

I usually do. That was the inaugural run for those units, and adding the Lionel was a goofy stunt that I ended up photographing because it worked (largely because the Lionel unit was pre-Odyssey). It was only after I packed everything up and looked at the photos days later that I noticed I hadn't pulled off the foam

 

Someday I'll repeat the stunt on video, since I haven't seen it done on YouTube yet.

 

---PCJ

Thanks guys!  I agree with John, nice styrofoam!!

 

PCJ,

 

That was one of the most informative posts I've read about this.  It definitely put it in black and white for me, thank you so much!

 

Mike

Mike,

 

O Gauge magazine (the forum sponsor) has produced videos for both the MTH DCS system and the Lionel Trainmaster system.  They really explain the systems really well for a beginner.  The DVDs are only 14.95 each on the OGR website store.

 

In my opinion if you do not intend to convert your older Lionels to TMCC and you intend to buy a MTH DCS engine just go with the MTH DCS.  The system may seem a bit more expensive initially but that is very deceptive.  The DCS system Track Interface Unit essentially comes with two lionel powermaster or TPC's already installed and you will be able to use the MTH DCS remote to run your conventional engines as well as your MTH DCS engines.

 

Remember that whatever system you choose you will still only be able to control one conventional engine in each isolated block or loop.  With a conventional engine you still need to adjust the voltage (though you are doing it with the hand held remote) in the track to control speed but a DCS or TMCC engine runs on a constant voltage of about 18 volts.  It is the signal you send to the engine which controls the speed and not the track voltage.

 

Also with the MTH system you can add a Accessory Interface Unit (AIU) for a bit under $100 bucks.  The AIU can control up to 10 switches and 10 accessories.  For that same $100 in the TMCC system you can add a controller which only operates 6 switches max.  The AIU will remotely control any switch and you can even set routes into the system which aligns all your switches for a particular route with just one activation of the switch.

 

As a side note I have a couple of TMCC engines and six DCS engines and I have the basic TMCC system (I had that initially) plugged into my DCS system and just use my MTH remote to operate everthing though I still can use my TMCC remote to control the TMCC engines only.

 

Pop over to the DCS forum if you want some more info but those DVD's explain alot.

 

Regards,

 

Ed

 

PS Also the feature which allows you to play music through your engine is awesome especially when you got Ozzy Osbourne's Crazy Train playing on a passenger consist.  LOL

I second that with the ozzy Osborne crazy train! I did that for a guy who was thinking about DCS and that sealed the deal!

I have TMCC and have two MTC DCS engines and several older Lionel conventional engines.  I bought a TPC 400 for one of my mainlines and use it to run the DCS and conventional engines just fine.  I also considered upgrading the engines to command but it didn't make sense financially.  With the TPC 400 I can switch it between command and conventional and use the CAB1 to control.  I think it's the best of bot worlds and cost effective.

Railride, your reply about the different systems is very excellent. You've really clarified my understanding. Thank you very much. Of course many others posted valuable insight too.
Tim

I dont know how I forgot to respond to this!

Ed,

 

"In my opinion if you do not intend to convert your older Lionels to TMCC and you intend to buy a MTH DCS engine just go with the MTH DCS.  The system may seem a bit more expensive initially but that is very deceptive.  The DCS system Track Interface Unit essentially comes with two lionel powermaster or TPC's already installed and you will be able to use the MTH DCS remote to run your conventional engines as well as your MTH DCS engines."

So, on top of the TIU-DCS, I wont have to buy anything else to run one conventional loco?

Thank You!

 

Tim,

Yes, everybody here has given wonderful information.  It has been very helpful.

 

John,

 

So with your TPC 400, you can run the DCS controlled locos?  Does that still work the sounds and everything for them?  The CAB1, I think somebody has stated that you need one for each loop/conventional engine.  How many trains are you running on one "loop"?

 

Thanks,
Mike 

Actually, you only need one CAB1 for an entire layout, you don't need one for every loop.

 

The TPC-300/400 has some macro controls to offer much of the PS/2 functionality under conventional mode in an easy to use format.  Obviously, to get the most out of PS2 & PS3 locomotives, you'd want the DCS system.

 

Whatever you do, I suggest you spend a bit more time getting familiar with both systems and the advantages and disadvantages of each before you make a purchase.  Of, you can do what many of us have done, buy each system and not have to worry about what controls what.

John,

That can not happen at any point in the near future!!  Well, unless I want to skip out on the..... my October wedding!

Ok, I was under the impression that a CAB1 was needed for every loop.  Thanks.  

I'm definitely trying to get familiar with both.  I need to see what will work better for me.  I have actually skipped looking at any newer Lionel because I have no idea what system I'll be using.  Does that make sense, or should something like that not hold me back? 

Thanks!

Mike