FastTrack, CW-80 and DCS

Do not run MTH PS2 or PS3 with lionel CW80. You can get MTH DCS 50-1001 or MTH Z4000 Transformer  or Lionel ZW Trans. or MTH Brick Z1000 and controller. If you run lionel u can use the CW80 or use it to run ACC and the MTH Z4000 and Lionel ZW will run lionel and also you can run lionel engines thru mth DCS but you have to have lionel cab2 base or lionel cab1-L base and y cable. 

Thanks! So, it's OK to use the MTH DCS with FastTrack? No trick to connecting the wires? If I get a Lionel ZW Trans, will it still give me all the PS3 effects?

Y2KDAD,

   1st the CW-80 is not recommended for running DCS or P3 engines.  The smallest decent transformer for running DCS is a MTH Z-1000.  Your MTH P3 engine will run fine with a Z-1000 transformer.  

You need a full DCS package, consisting of the DCS Hand Held Remote Control and a Rev L TIU to get you started.   I also highly recommend Barry's O Gauge Companion book and the OGR Video Guide to DCS, especially for the beginner.  Lots to learn about the DCS a great way to run your layout.  Don't let these educational books and video's scare you, they a fantastic education on our modern hobby.

Welcome to the OGR, the best forum on the Net!

PCRR/Dave

y2kdad posted:

Thanks! So, it's OK to use the MTH DCS with FastTrack? No trick to connecting the wires? If I get a Lionel ZW Trans, will it still give me all the PS3 effects?

Your welcome! Yes!!

Thank you both, VERY MUCH! I'm so glad I joined this forum. It's very comforting to know that there are folks out there who are so willing to help, especially when it comes to the "newbies" such as myself. It truly is the "World's Greatest Hobby" but it can be extremely intimidating if you're just getting started. 

Y2KDAD,

   FasTrack is great track, everything runs well on it.  Yes you can run DCS with a ZW Transformer, put 10 Amp Breakers between your ZW and every Red Channel on your DCS TIU to protect the TIU.  Your P3 will have all the running options, using the DCS hand held remote control and the ZW Transformer.  Watch the OGR Video Guide to DCS to get started, it eliminates the intimidation by showing on film, exactly how to set up and run your 1st DCS Layout.  You can then watch it as many times as you like to fully grasp everything that is going on with a DCS controlled layout.

PCRR/Dave

Thanks, Dave! I will definitely watch the videos. Can you tell me where to find them on this forum?  Are they available for download/purchase?

Also, if I went with the MTH Z1000 transformer and DCS Remote with TIU, I would NOT need to use the 10 Amp breakers, correct?

Y2KDAD,

    As far as engineering goes you do not absolutely need the resettable breakers when using the Z-1000 Transformers, however I put the Resettable Scott Type 10 Amp Breakers between all my Transformers and my TIU's, including my Z4K's .

The OGR Video Guide to DCS, I do believe is still available right here on the OGR thru the OGR Store, No down load for the OGR DCS Video guide, it's on DVD,  Barry's new Rev 3, O Gauge Companion has a link here on the OGR he will probably be along to give it to you shortly.  There is a down load for his book!  In fact I purchased my new Soft Back Copy of Rev 3, thru that link.  Enter the DCS O Gauge Companion into the OGR Search and the link should come up in one of the prior thread posts.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

PCRR/Dave

y2kdad posted:

Thanks, Dave! I will definitely watch the videos. Can you tell me where to find them on this forum?  Are they available for download/purchase?

Also, if I went with the MTH Z1000 transformer and DCS Remote with TIU, I would NOT need to use the 10 Amp breakers, correct?

You don't NEED the 10A breakers.  I would suggest a simple fuse holder and 10A car fuse.  There are fuses in the TIU too.  They blow fast to protect the electronics.  Buy a few spares.

Ed

Y2KDAD,

   Ed is correct, you can also use quick blowing fuses to help safe guard everything, I just happen to like the resettable breakers, they are reliable and easy to reset while running your layout.  

PCRR/Dave

Thanks, everyone! Would someone be able to send me a picture of what these fuse holders look like?

And, reversing the question I had earlier, how would it effect my Lionel RailSounds locomotive if I move to a Z-1000 and DCS? Would I still be able to hear the freight yard sounds, bell, and whistle?

Again, I appreciate your time. Going to look for the videos now....