FasTrack Switches Remote/Command Differences and DCS

Mark,

   Let me give you an engineering over view of what you are planning to attempt.

1st off all the new FasTrack switches coming out now, will all be Command Control, because Lionel understands the CC FT switches can also be controlled via the manual remote controllers.  The great thing about the CC FT switches is that they are low voltage, and can run off track power even with more than 20 switches in operation, and even a great number more if the DCS blocks are layouted out correctly.  So if you already have Legacy or TMCC all your CC FT switches are controlled from the Cab2 or TMCC Cab1 remote controls, via the Aux buttons.  I would not go the AIU purchase route, because I believe in eliminating as much wiring as possible, on the newer type layouts.  In fact the older TMCC stuff is probably going to cost you about the same, as a couple of AIU's if you have a lot of switches.  In fact I am waiting for the new Lionel 031 FT CC switches to come out, to transition FT CC switches in and out of my MTH RealTrax inner oval, so I have remote control FT CC switches on all my different levels, controlled from my Cab2 remote control.  If I were you I would sell my FT regular remote control switches, to off set the purchase of the new FT CC switches, and invest in even more CC FT switches, then run them all from a hand held remote control, along with setting up your manual controllers.

Mark good luck with your surgeries and have a good time constructing your new FT layout.

PCRR/Dave 

I like to set the manual switch controllers right along the tracks to identify the switch numbers I have programmed into the Cab2 remote control, this really helps when you have a lot of switches in operation on your layout, instant switch number identification from the lighted controller numbers.

Dave,

thank you for your insight.  I like your method shown in your photo putting your controllers near the switch and not on one control panel.  I will only be buying a couple at a time, so it won't be too bad.  That is one thing that I have not looked at in the DCS of keeping track of a lot of switches.  I guess they could be named descriptively besides being numbered.

Thank you for the advice and for the well wishes on my surgeries.  The first will be a week from Monday.

Mark,

The CC FT switches can be programed for use with Legacy Remotes.  If you do not have TMCC or Legacy, go with the FT non CC remote switches.  They can be wired into a AIU if you add one latter.  If you don't want the switch controller, you can throw them by hand by turning the lantern. 

On the other hand, the CC switches are about 10 bucks more, and may fetch a better resale price to Legacy users  if you decide to get rid of them.  I use LCS and Legacy so I will only be buying CC switches in the future. 

Miken,

   Unless anyone purchases an older or used FT Switch everyone will be purchasing CC FT switches, cause its all Lionel is going to make in FT Switches.  So if any of these guys & gals want a manual remote FT switch from a dealer, they better get it right quick.  Frankly I can not see even purchasing one now that the CC switches are available, although if you want to you can still use a dz controller to make the older FT switches into CC type switches, Ron did this to one of his layouts prior to CC FT switches even coming out.

PCRR/Dave

Miken and Dave,

many thanks!  As I look at some of our supplier's Web sites, I am seeing som only listing CC switches.  

Miken, I can see your point about the non CC switches.

 I see Legacy Station is offering O60 command control ones for $89 each.  That may be a good way to go.  I have had good success with them in the past.  My two (sort of local hobby shops) don't have them on O60 at this time.

thank you both!

FWIW, I believe the CC FT switches are selling for about the same as the Remote FT switches were.  Without Legacy, the command control can certainly be done with the addition of an AIU since you are already invested in DCS.  An AIU is much cheaper than a Legacy system, but a single AIU wll only manage 10 switches.  I have both Legacy and DCS with an AIU as I had acquired both systems and about 20 FT remote switches for a great price in an aestate sale.  The AIU works like a charm.

Gary

Well, I decided to purchase two of the O60 CC switches and some other track from Legacy Depot at the price I mentioned above.  That will get me going, and I will see how they work out.  I will need 4 more switches to complete the plan.  Spread the cost out a bit, and I'm not in a position to build very fast anyway.

Thank you everyone for your input!!!