I couldn't find a post with what I am trying to do, so here goes a new post.
First I'm in the middle of reading Barry Broskowitz's - The DCS O Gauge Companion.
I don't see what I'm looking for in his book either (great book otherwise).
First let me say - I've never wired any kind of layout. This will be the first and I want to get it right.
Second - 95% of my engines were purchased back in 1990 new and others were purchased along the way used up to now. I have 4 modern trains able to run with the Legacy and DCS control systems (2 Lionel and 2 MTH).
I remember playing with Lionel (a good friend of mine had them) trains when I was about 13 and loved it. I'm 71 now and have the allusion of running my trains sitting in front of a bunch of ZW 275's controlling my trains (I already have the ZW's) and one MTH Z4000.
I also want to be in the 21st century. I purchased a Lionel Legacy remote control system and a MTH DCS remote system with one MTH AIU unit (one so far). I understand how great it will be to be able to walk all around my layout with a remote in my hand (especially my second level freight yard).
After reading everything I can and watching every video on the Internet on DCS with Legacy, I have come to the conclusion that the only way to go is as follows:
The DCS remote to run all MTH engines.
The DCS remote to run the Legacy engines but will not be able to access all the great new features.
The DCS remote to run all older engines in Conventional mode.
The Legacy remote to run all new Lionel engines (I have 2) to access the new features.
My ZW's just for the fun of twisting the levers like I did when I was 13.
My problem is I can't find anywhere, someone showing a detailed schematic of how to wire a layout with the above scenario in mind, especially with the ZW's added into the mix.
This may be crazy (tell me if it is), but I want to build a control center that will have toggle switches to control all the turnouts I will have (about 50 total), switches to control all the accessories, and be able to control everything else from the control panel.
I also know (I think) that I can control everything from the DCS remote. I want both.
Is that possible - 1 ? and 2 - can someone steer me to a book, video, or a person to help me wire up my layout using all of the above ?
I'm going to have about 640 sq. ft. total, so I don't want to wire the whole layout wrong to start with.
Thanks for any help you can throw my way.
Corvettte (Paul)
