I bought that set as my way of getting back into the hobby after a 30+ year absence and as an introduction to DCS. I think it's a great set, but I have nothing to compare it to. I added the dining and mail cars. I've decided to use the included RealTrax for Christmas layouts and move to ScaleTrax for my permanent layout. One negative is that you don't get complete control over the Proto 3 sounds, etc., with the included DCS remote. I figured a set was the cheapest and easiest way to get back into the hobby. However, I do plan to upgrade to the full DCS system, probably for next Christmas. I also plan to add an Abraham Lincoln style 4-6-0 (or 4-4-0) as well as 2 diesels, probably also RailKing, to round out my initial engine roster. I may even buy them in sets as a way of getting more RealTrax and I believe I can always use the transformers to power accessories.
Clueless Mom,
Looks like you are not cluless after all and now your boy is having a great time with his PE.
Double DAZ,
Dave it looks like you are going down the right path, getting back into the hobby after 30 years you can see the serious changes in technology available today.
You will enjoy the full DCS package when you decide to get it!
PCRR/Dave
Originally Posted by Cast0077:
I also got my son the Polar Express mention in this thread for my son and he really loves it. I am thinking of getting him another train for his BDay and noticed someone mentioned a MTH setup (http://www.tandkhobby.com/product-p/30-4218-1.htm). Can I run that train with the Polar Express?
The short answer is yes. but.... If you want to use 1 track and swap trains. Piece of cake, no problem. If you want to run them on separate tracks, no problem.The MTH starter loop will fit inside the Lionel starter loop!
To run multiple trains on 1 track, you either need a control system, or a relatively complicated setup, with a place to park a train, where you can turn power off to sections of track. It can be done, but will have a learning curve, and building some sort of control panel. I'm assuming it is a Christmas layout, so that is some work.
As to a control system, with an MTH DCS system (the full system, not the setup that comes with the MTH set), you can run both trains from 1 controller, but controlling the Polar Express on the same track is somewhat difficult, unless you install a "PS2 upgrade".
The upgrade isn't cheap, or easy. It can be installed professionally, as well, but that will cost more. (I am personally going to take that leap, this year, and install it myself). Right now, I run "conventional" trains, on separate tracks.
If your still reading and this isn't just a Christmas layout (I read BDay), do some more thinking about what you want to do. Many here run large conventional layouts (The Polar Express runs "conventionally", the MTH set can run conventionally, but is also equipped to run under command control). All Locos can be run conventionally. Others run layouts with a command control system. There are many of these systems. The most popular are MTH's DCS (which can control pretty much anything, the Lionel systems can control Lionel trains with control boards and maybe conventional (I'm not sure) an DCC is coming to O Gauge, I love DCC in N, but have no exp, with it in O.
If this is a BDay present look at the plethora of sets available from MTH, Lionel, Atlas, Willams etc. Pick some you like and ask more questions.
Originally Posted by Cast0077:
I also got my son the Polar Express mention in this thread for my son and he really loves it. I am thinking of getting him another train for his BDay and noticed someone mentioned a MTH setup (http://www.tandkhobby.com/product-p/30-4218-1.htm). Can I run that train with the Polar Express?
The MTH set may well be very nice, but you need to find out with certainty whether the transformer that came with your Polar Express will power it. (Perhaps it will, but some MTH equiipment in the past would not run when powered by a Lionel CW-80.)
From what I can see, the transformer that comes with the MTH set that you are considering would be a bit underpowered to drive the Polar Express, but might do so marginally with no other load on the system.
The track that comes with the MTH set will not look exactly like the Polar Express track, but either train should run on either type of track.
As pointed out above, running two trains at the same time on the same track is a rather compicated thing to do and in my opinion will be an unnecessary complication with starter-set equipment from either manufacturer. You would need not only more power (larger transformer) but a more complicated electronic control system.
If you are planning to run each train on its own track, with its own transformer, perhaps with one set inside within or next to the other, there should be no problem although the two track plans might be a tad difficult to arrange in a small layout without buying additional track.
I hope someone else will speak to the areas that I am uncertain of, and certainly correct any errors that I have made. Transformer/locomotive compatibility is probably the biggest issue here.
wolverine
To some of Wolverines point of uncertainty. If you are just using the starter set track, the MTH o31 loop fits inside the Lionel o36 loop. If you are expanding, at some point, you will probably want to pick 1 track type. All O 3 rail trains are compatible with all O 3 rail track types BUT, might have minimum curve dimensions.The Lionel CW-80 is not on the MTH list of recommended transformers. Many Lionel units are. You can go to http://mthtrains.com/content/30-4218-1and look at the user guide, for a better idea of what you are considering. Transformers are listed on pg54 of the manual (the little white book icon, midpage) Also, on the point of track, some hobby shops will trade the original track from a starter set, so it wouldn't hurt to ask, but I'd take the opportunity to compare the 2 types of track.
Double DAZ,
Marty is absolutely correct the MTH 031 RealTrax runs inside the Lionel FasTrack 036 without any trouble!
PCRR/Dave
