Education is Expensive

Don't hold back, tell us how you really feel!

This won't help with the pole building you need for a layout, but can't you run all that

on conventional and it will work together?

This is a thought to consider, add another loop of track to run more trains on or add another level to your current layout. I have four parallel tracks, 042 tubular, Gargraves and 042 then 027 on the inside track. going around my 8 ft. by 11 ft. layout on the first level and two tracks on the second level of a 6 ft. by 4 ft. with a trestle supported track going out a few feet. The second level was a mix of 027 and Gargraves track and switches.

Lee Fritz

Unless you have a new engine with all the newest features I would not buy command control just to run an engine. Most systems will cost around $280.00 or more new, and that is for each system(Legacy or DCS). Won't comment on each system because everybody has their favorite. To run two systems you need adapter or patch cables to hook-up to both systems, another $18.00 or more each.

Lee Fritz

Don't attorneys ask questions?  That's what this forum is for. We are here pro bono. Don

Actually, you do not have to use the cable between the 2 systems.

It just lets you run TMCC equipment with the DCS Remote.

I added a Full TMCC system to run my TMCC Crane set, for me it's too complicated to run under DCS, I can't remember all the buttons, while the Lionel Remote has an overlay to remind me.

And YES, All the trains will run in Conventional.

Bottom line Bob, Have Fun running a train.

Then I found that DCS and TMCC don't gee/haw without some extra stuff that I don't want to clutter my mind with. 

Not sure what you have read about running the two systems together, but they will work together well.  I would recommend you buy a used, good working TMCC Cab1 and base off the For Sale or Trade forum, connect the one wire on the base to the track and enjoy.  You will need to use the DCS handheld for the PS2 stuff, and the Cab1 handheld for the TMCC stuff, but I find this easier than trying to run TMCC through the DCS system.  Later on if you find the TMCC system to your liking, you can upgrade to Legacy.

Ron

And folks wonder why it's hard to attract new people into the hobby.

Rusty

The suggestion that he needs to use each respective remote for each system is not correct.  While you personally may find that running TMCC engines through the DCS remote is less than satisfactory, many of us run both TMCC and PS2/3 engines using the DCS remote exclusively with no issues.  In fact, my own personal experience is the opposite of yours; overall operation of TMCC engines seems smoother with the DCS handheld than the CAB-1 remote.  I think what it boils down to is how the overall ergonomics feel (some prefer the big red knob, others prefer the thumbwheel).

Hi Bob,

Your description fits most of us I think. It certainly fits me as I dream at night of adding sidings and more sidings to store passenger trains that are currently in boxes.

You might consider shelving to store trains near your layout, so you can use your 0-5-0 Switcher to swap consists once in a while for some variety.

If you have any operating rolling stock, for example a boxcar with a flagman that pops-out, save these as they go out of production for a long time between reruns.

Also consider that replacing any of your excess items will be more expensive in the future.