Hi
I would like to know if there is a bigger difference between the old Fastrack 036 switches and the new one beside the price. I building my first layout and I want to get it right the first time.
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The big difference is that the more expensive one can be controlled by the cab 2 remote and by sensor tracks. I run legacy with a cab 2 controller. I am not sure if tmcc can control it.
I am pretty sure only Legacy can control the Fastrack command control switches, the more expensive ones. One advantage to the command control switches is no wiring is needed, they can be addressed and controlled right from the Legacy Cab2. The less expensive ones have to be wired.
I know Kris is using DCS though, so I think the command control switches can also still be controlled by the AIU because they have the manual remote included and the AIU could be wired in parallel with that, I believe. If you ever do get Legacy then you would be all set.
My guess would be that for the $15 difference in MSRP (I don't know the differences in street prices?), the CC switches would probably be better for resale later on as I think the 'no wiring needed' appeals to a lot of folks. But again, that is just a guess on my part.
rtr12 posted:I am pretty sure only Legacy can control the Fastrack command control switches, the more expensive ones.
No way. TMCC & Cab-1 control these too.
rtr12 posted:I am pretty sure only Legacy can control the Fastrack command control switches, the more expensive ones.
I'm pretty sure you're wrong, I control them on my test bench with the old CAB1/BASE1. 
Thanks for the replies.
So from what I understand these new switches can be controlled from CAB1/Base1, TMCC and Legacy. RTR12 is correct I am planning on running my layout on MTH TIU and MTH AIU. What is the advantage of these newer Fastrack switches on MTH system versus the old Fastrack switches?
nvocc5 posted:That is the advantage of these newer Fastrack switches on MTH system versus the old Fastrack switches?
Well, a lot less. You can't operate the switches from the DCS remote, even if you have it connected to a Legacy or TMCC command base. If you want to use the command feature, it has to be used from a Lionel remote or the Lionel LCS system.
gunrunnerjohn posted:nvocc5 posted:That is the advantage of these newer Fastrack switches on MTH system versus the old Fastrack switches?
Well, a lot less. You can't operate the switches from the DCS remote, even if you have it connected to a Legacy or TMCC command base. If you want to use the command feature, it has to be used from a Lionel remote or the Lionel LCS system.
Thanks to you and ADCX Rob for correcting my earlier post. Maybe this not working with DCS was what I was thinking of, but I didn't realize they would not work at all with the DCS system? My knowledge of all the Lionel CC stuff definitely needs a lot more work.
I really didn't think the CC switches worked with TMCC/Cab1 stuff though, but now I know for sure they do. Thanks again for the clarification. 'Pretty sure' was probably the wrong term to use earlier as well. 
John,
Can't you use them on a DCS system through an AIU, just not in command?
