I need help deciding......

I like my Lionel USRA 0-8-0 Yard Goat (L&N) so much that I'd have to recommend that locomotive. Of course that would make getting a used Cab1 the necessary route

No offense, but I would not spend money for a command system on a small layout.  This is a one train layout and one person can operate it seated in one place.  You don't need a command system.

John. Thanks.  I know I don't need a command system, but I had them before and I am thinking I want one again. I may re-design the layout for 2 train operation. I am thinking 1 small road engine and a switch engine.   But, thanks for your idea.

I understand.  I'm still holding off and may be forever because I'm not spending a bunch of money on multiple command systems because one works this only while another works that only.  

 

Lionel did just release its "protocol" which allows others to work on getting together one system that will operate everything!

 

For now, I purchased the MTH Z4000...because it is the ONLY MTH transformer that has the "jack" for their wireless walkabout system.  I have two handheld remotes where an operate can use one and go with her/his train the 231 feet of main line, via use of Atlas Selectors for different blocks.

 

I did this because anyone can bring any O loco and it will run on this layout.

 

I'm still hoping to see the day that the producers of the various command systems get together for the good of their customers, but corporate greed and power trips will continue to be an obstacle.  

 

 

Small layout or not, the improvement in low speed control is outstanding.  As far as used is concerned, I would agree except I already went the used route.  The items were in like new condition so I guess I lucked out.

RickO  -  Can you remember where you saw the new set up for $ 180.00??

 

Larry

My recommendation would be to treat yourself to something with the new LionChief-Plus first, and see how you like it.  You could then add a second LionChief-Plus engine or decide to expand the potential a bit and get yourself the Lionel CAB-1L setup.

For the money, I'd be shopping MTH RTR set (s). You'll get a PS2 or PS3 engine plus DCS Remote Commander, transformer, and track. Sell off the track and whatever else you don't want to keep to offset the overall cost.

 

The LionChief sounds neat, but having different remotes for different engines is not appealing to me. One DCS RC will run any PS2 or PS3 engine with a factory reset.

 

Just my $0.02

 

Gilly

The size of the layout makes absolutely no difference. There are many functions weather it be DCS,TMCC or Legacy you will not be able to access in conventional mode. The other systems are not impossible to master but the Cab1L would be a good choice that is simple and less intimidating if your getting started in command control.  

The problem with Gilly's suggestion is that with the MTH DCS Remote Commander, you would be limited to operating one locomotive/train on the track at any one time.

 

With the Lionel LionChief-Plus, you could have two or more locomotives operating on the track simultaneously, and with a small layout having two or even three remotes to deal with would not be a problem.

 

And, if you had one LionChief-Plus engine and then added the CAB-1L Base and Remote, you could easily operate the LionChief-Plus engine (first purchased engine) and two or more TMCC/Legacy engines.

 

And I would definitely not sell the FasTrack you're currently using unless you plan to go with something like GarGraves or another track that involves roadbed, ballasting, etc.  FasTrack is a fine system if you want track with built-in roadbed.

LarrY

1st, Lord help me get to 76. If I was getting back into the hobby with the size layout your talking about I would be going for a couple of those LionChief-Plus sets. If I didn't want the track I would sell it or maybe some of the other parts as well. I guess it' all boils down to more money more money. Allen has the right idea IMHO.

Good luck in what ever you decide.

Well guys, I think I'm going to go for the Lion Chief PLUS when available.

Larry3railtrain,
   No matter how small or large your layout happens to be I would spend the $300.00
on a pre-ordered Legacy, redesign your layout to run in and outside loops with at least a passing loop, purchase a new Legacy Shay and have ball, I am adding the Legacy to my DCS and doing just that, for my next Christmas layout. You might also think about a 2nd level, man you have all kinds of engineering options with the space you have already, great little FasTrack layout, add some Command Control Switches and the Legacy both.  You can't take it with ya partner, do what makes you happy with your layout.
PCRR/Dave

No matter how small or how large I recommend command control. My layout is 10 x 10 and all I use is DCS.

Now I am really mixed up.  Not sure if  I should:

1.  go back into DCS

2. Go into used/new Cab1 & Command Base

3. Go into NEW Cab 1L and base

4. Go to Lion Chief Plus when available or

5. go to Lion Chief now.

 

I'm going to check a whole lot of prices here, E bay, and dealers on the web that have a good rep like Charlie Nassau, (I bought my track and switches from him) , Charles Ro and perhaps, much closer to me  Eastside Trains in Washington State.

1.  Why would you "go back into" DCS?  You never mentioned having MTH motive power (at least in your original post).

 

2.  Aside from bargain-basement price for the original TMCC (which may or may not have the features you would find in the CAB-1L, why not just get the CAB-1L at the get-go?  A darn decent system, and no antenna on the remote to poke your eye out with.  Most recent software, etc., too.

 

3.  I would wait for the LionChief-Plus stuff which is becoming available NOW (we received a couple of set for review, so distribution in the pipeline can't be far behind).

 

As I noted before:  Buy a LionChief-Plus outfit.  If you like it, you can either purchase a second LionChief-Plus engine/set or get yourself the CAB-1L system to give you even more versatility.

 

Really seems like something of a no-brainer to me.

I too recommend command control for a small layout. It allows you to run multiple engines, albeit slowly, with ease and minimum wiring and also uncouple remotely from the engine without uncoupling tracks.  My layout is only 6x11 and I have run 3 engines using DCS.  It is very busy but you can do it and it makes it more interesting and fun.  

 

I would recommend you redesign your layout to have a second loop and eliminate one of the sidings.  

 

However you will get as many ideas as there are forum members and ultimately you must do what you think best.  Also, as you progress and get more experienced your tastes may change and you will want to recreate and redo the layout anyway.  

 

Best of luck with your decisions and remember to have fun! 

AND, thank you  to ALL of you who have given me ideas and helpin the past few weeks.

Well, onto a new 2 loop layout, perhaps this one?

I would recommend getting a Legacy Powermaster along with the Cab 1-L so you can run your Lake Shore set remotely.

Sounds like a perfectly logical solution/decision to me.  You can operate any TMCC/Legacy locomotive with the CAB-1L system and, of course, you could also operate a LionChief-Plus locomotive on the same layout at the same time.

 

Small layouts deserve, in my opinion, small motive power, so that's a good choice, too.

 

My own modest-size layout is all command control.  I have DCS, Lionel Legacy, and the Lionel CAB-1L systems.  I am something of a more recent command control convert, having run mostly conventional up until a relatively few years ago.  I'm no techno-geek, but I do enjoy the various features of command control.

Allan, thank you.  I bought the Lakeshore Limited as it was a real deal and got me back into a train. I bought it on the place ( **ay) at a liquidation price of $ 179.00 complete and BRAND new. It is a great looking small engine and runs sooo slowww with that WBB transformer that starts out at 0 volts .But I think I will buy a small pacific or similar and a switcher. But that will wait until I relay my track in 2  loops and buy my CAB 1 L.   As a pensioner, I cant buy everything at once, but that's what keeps it interesting.  Boy, I sure love this forum though. I Wouldn't have kept my layout without it.  Hers a pic of my previous layout torn down in Nov last year

Larry,

   I thought it was you who had the big DCS layout at one time, you do not have to go quite that big again, but you still know the ins & outs of DCS, add the TMCC or Legacy and still have the command layout you like.  You will love the Command Control swithces with your FasTrack!

PCRR/Dave

PCRR/Dave.   - Well Dave I bought the Legacy LIGHT set up. I not longer have my DCS set.

Now ,  I'm in the market for a used, good working condition, smaller TMCC loco.

Preferably a switcher type.