I recently purchased a Lionel Central Vermont RS-11. With the exception of a two nicks in the paint on the gas tank, it looks and runs great. Should I have gotten a locomotive memory module with it? I could not find one in the box.
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Not anymore. You can program manually or use a sensor track to auto program.
Cost cutting measure. 
@gunrunnerjohn posted:Cost cutting measure.
Unnecessary waste.
The modules are unnecessary given Lionel's SensorTrack.
@rthomps posted:The modules are unnecessary given Lionel's SensorTrack.
Not everyone has sensor tracks installed! AAMOF, I suspect a very low percentage of Legacy locomotive buyers have sensor tracks! You're talking about well over $100 and more wiring/complexity just to eliminate a module that costs maybe a dollar, but probably less.
@gunrunnerjohn posted:Not everyone has sensor tracks installed! AAMOF, I suspect a very low percentage of Legacy locomotive buyers have sensor tracks! You're talking about well over $100 and more wiring/complexity just to eliminate a module that costs maybe a dollar, but probably less.
Well! OK!
The SensorTrack unit (the add-on, IRV2 Sensor Module, not the FasTrack unit) is listed at a penny less than $100. The FasTrack unit lists for a penny less than $95. Regular discounts apply.
Honestly, I have no idea how many SensorTracks have been sold - or how many Legacy users own one (or both) of the two varieties. Low percentage? High percentage? Who knows? I know for a fact, though, that Lionel has sold more than one. 
All things considered, yeah, I probably would have been happier if Lionel kept the modules as well as the SensorTrack. But, I'm not losing sleep over it.
Yep. More wiring which can be a pain for an existing layout. Complexity is not overwhelming, IMO.
Lionel says the units do more than just identify locs:
- "Triggers locomotives actions from a list of preset Action Commands or custom user recordings
- Automatically updates engine info in all CAB-2 remotes (Requires LEGACY base & CAB-2 remote)
- Displays real time engine locations on the iPad-based LCS App (requires LCS WiFi, Apple iPad™ and free LCS App)
- Preset and Custom Action Commands: Use any of the eight pre-programmed actions or create your own automated routines that your compatible locomotives will follow each time they pass the LCS SensorTrackTM. Pre-programmed actions include whistle and horn blows, engineer dialog, CrewTalk, and bell ringing. LCS SensorTrackTM even knows which direction your locomotives is going and performs dialog actions such as arrival and departure announcements accordingly.
- Record your own series of up to 200 commands from your Legacy CAB 1L, CAB 2, or LCS App. These commands will then be played back automatically each time any IR-compatible loco passes over the track. Alternately, you can make loco-specific recordings so just one engine performs your custom actions. Preset Action commands and custom user recordings are stored locally in the memory of each SensorTrack on your layout.
- Instant CAB-2 Updates: When your LCS installation includes a LEGACY base and CAB-2 remote, SensorTrack™ automatically programs LEGACY CAB-2 remote with vital engine information. This instant "roll-over update" includes road names and road numbers, current fuel level, lighting options and more. This feature is especially useful when your layout hosts visiting locomotives. It effectively replaces Legacy orange locomotive memory modules.
- Real time location information: When your LCS installation includes an LCS WiFi, Apple iPad™ and the free LCS App, SensorTrack™ delivers real time location updates on the LCS App. See each compatible locomotive's ID, name and number appear on your iPad each time one crosses any SensorTrack™ on your layout."
FWIW.
I know what the sensor tracks do, I have a number of them. That's really not my point at all...
Also, you did forget the Lionel 6-81326 LCS Serial Converter 2 in your pricing, it's a required element for any sensor track install. 
@gunrunnerjohn posted:Also, you did forget the Lionel 6-81326 LCS Serial Converter 2 in your pricing, it's a required element for any sensor track install.
No it's not. Has nothing to do with having a sensor track.
@MartyE posted:No it's not. Has nothing to do with having a sensor track.
You're right, got the wrong part number. Same comment applies, you need one of these.
Hi Gentlemen! I can't thank you enough for this spirited debate. It has actually been quite helpful and I thank you for that. So I have a small layout 11'x11' feet what do I need for a sensor track so I can program a Lionel engine. Is it the Lionel 6-81294 Sensor Track or something else. Do I need the 6-81499 cable with power supply? Thanks guys!
Sorry, one more thing. Can I connect Lionel track to Ross Track?
Just to clarify, you do not need to purchase a sensor track or buy any other equipment to program your engine. You can program it manually using the Cab-2 remote.
Check this thread for how-to, including a video:
https://ogrforum.com/...-legacy-steam-engine
@Richie C. posted:Just to clarify, you do not need to purchase a sensor track or buy any other equipment to program your engine. You can program it manually using the Cab-2 remote.
Check this thread for how-to, including a video:
https://ogrforum.com/...-legacy-steam-engine
Very true. Thank you for adding that.
@gunrunnerjohn posted:You're right, got the wrong part number. Same comment applies, you need one of these.
But.
You don't need that cable only for the SensorTrack. You need one per layout for any LCS operation regardless whether SensorTrack is involved ... or not.
@Shack posted:Hi Gentlemen! I can't thank you enough for this spirited debate. It has actually been quite helpful and I thank you for that. So I have a small layout 11'x11' feet what do I need for a sensor track so I can program a Lionel engine. Is it the Lionel 6-81294 Sensor Track or something else. Do I need the 6-81499 cable with power supply? Thanks guys!
This might help. LCS is a great system ... and works pretty much flawlessly without inflicting much misery.
@Shack posted:Sorry, one more thing. Can I connect Lionel track to Ross Track?
Check the Ross web-site for information. Ross is excellent track...but serves something of different audience than does FasTrack (also a very good track system!).
I use Atlas, just FI.
@Shack posted:Sorry, one more thing. Can I connect Lionel track to Ross Track?
Yep. Fast Track to GarGraves: Use Lionel item no. 6-12040 and GarGraves O Gauge Mating pins item # 801
This thread has some interesting solutions that I have used for incorporating the sensor track into Atlas. Might work as well for Ross.
Did Lionel ever deliver the 6-85296 LCS SensorTrack 2 (IRV2)? I keep seeing the date slip...
@gunrunnerjohn posted:Did Lionel ever deliver the 6-85296 LCS SensorTrack 2 (IRV2)? I keep seeing the date slip...
Nassau Hobbies is taking orders now..."in stock".
We'll see.
