DCS Explorer v1.0

Not clear what you're trying to do here.  If you're talking about running three trains in conventional mode (no command system) at one time with a single transformer, that will be a neat trick!   I'd first see what you can do about getting the DCS Explorer working again.  You can also find the MTH 50-1035 DCS Explorer on Amazon or eBay if you want to replace it.

Thank you for the response. Who said there are ‘no dumb questions?’ So, for my four years of slowly building up from a RTR box set to expanding (and almost hitting my Peter Principle level) I see I need to continue my conversation in digital only and forget the manual stuff my Dad did with Lionel when I was a kid in the ‘50s. If correct I could get a new DCS Explorer (the little 50-E508 Explorer v.10 6w track output) that came in my RTR may be fixable, but who knows what is fried in it. And I am assuming the E in 50- E508 was for experimental, and they dumped them off in 2017 RTR boxes. So, lets see if I can ask somewhat sensible questions now:

• If I buy a new 50-1035 I am still at 6w out. Am I OK if I run one engine at a time out of my three?
• I currently only have one track connection into my entire layout of track. If I buy the 50-1035 would it help now to put more track plugs in – say every five to six feet around the track and in my crossings (see my layout and consists attached)?
• Is it time to go to a 50-1003 TIU and 50-1034 WIU? Is that any advantage?

Hope I am still not asking dumb questions. Just trying to add some knowledge and get back in operation.

Well, obviously the preferred solution for a layout of any size is the full DCS system, that gives you four channels that will handle 10 amps each.  However, that's also the most expensive solution.

The 50-1035 DCS Explorer handles a max of 6 amps.  This is sufficient to run two trains with smoke or three without smoke.  I'm assuming you don't have a ton of passenger cars with incandescent lighting, that changes the picture.

I was in this same situation a year ago with a stater set and the debate in my mind of expanding my layout. I have a 10x6 layout now and went with an mth tiu the newer version and the mth Wiu and a Lionel ZW 150 I believe. It works great and it is fully wireless run from a LG tablet with the mth app on it. The only downside but not to me now Is the price tag for all of it. But you won’t regret doing it. There are a ton of helpful members on this forum that will help you also and that is priceless!! Good luck and I hope my two cents might help you.

Thanks to both of you. I'm going the economical route for now. Ordered a 50-1035. Used Amazon since the last time I tried eBay my credit card was hacked. I am going to add some more lock-ons around the track so my engines are not trying to use one voltage connection. I am guessing 14awg wire should handle the distribution from a plugin buss.

My six switches are on the Z-1000-40 aux out and all my lighting and accessories are on a separate 14.5 supply using 14.5v LEDs in my buildings. I tricked out my Menards Schoolhouse and Snyder Trucking facility by cutting away the data lines and using the 5v out from old phone charger plugs. Gives me, with load, about .38 volts over their 4.5v recommended power.

Thanks again for the help,

Lee

#14 wire is more than sufficient, that's what I wired my whole layout with and I have four 180 watt bricks powering it.

My understanding is that it won't do all the sounds (like station announcements).

John