Legacy LCS examples?

Hi

I have been using the Legacy system for a few years now, I also have the sensor tracks (four in all) and although my track is very simple due to confined space issues, I have ten LCS locomotives I alternate them around, so never get board. Regarding what it can do? Bells whistles, record actions through points, sorry switches,crew talk, turn smoke on off, increase the labour effect, simulate loading fuel on a diesel engine, simulate loading coal and water, blow down steam effect.

I could go on, as I am a fan, but in the UK we have 50 hz that on the odd occasion gives a problem, but not insurmountable ones.

If you want to know more you can down load the instruction manual. There are also some videos on YouTube, some also include the sensor track info. (You can also download the instructions from the Lionel website. Go to the service section and down loads. But I have found that YouTube helped me in the early stages.

I hope this has helped. The Lionel Legacy locomotives are expensive. But nothing in this hobby is cheap😢😢

I tried LCS and tried to diagram my layout. It's mostly there but their weren't enough choices for curved track, so I lost interest. I mayb try it again sometime. I don't think it's very well supported as to making it better.

Hi Chuck, I am not sure what you mean by "trying to diagram my layout and not enough choices for curved track" I started with LCS on a very basic "sharknose " diesel running on 036 now enlarging my layout to 072 and 060 track to run a new challenger and NPR consolidation, LCS works great with the right locomotive and the addition of sensor track makes running trains easier, I just wish I had the space you guys over in the States have, but I am limited to my "small" shelf layout and I never get bored with it.

Happy Trains from the UK

LCS doesn't do 048 which is my inside loop. It only does curves which are multiples of 11 1/4 degrees

cjack posted:

LCS doesn't do 048 which is my inside loop. It only does curves which are multiples of 11 1/4 degrees

What does that mean? How is the implementation of LCS dependent on the selected curves? I'm lost.

Dan

cjack posted:

LCS doesn't do 048 which is my inside loop. It only does curves which are multiples of 11 1/4 degrees

I think you are referring to the layout tool in the LCS App where you build your layout so you can activate switches from an iPad.  I believe that Lionel Man UK is referring to the record feature on the LCS Sensor Track which works like (but better than) the record feature on the Cab2 remote.  With the record feature you can automate switches, horn, bell, changes in speed, etc.  

Maybe I wasn't clear enough.  My question was inspired by this recent topic:

https://ogrforum.com/...-automatic-operation

I've seen some amazing things done with relays and crude methods for turning power on and off.  There were a couple of other recent threads discussing ingenious schemes for automatically throwing switches so that a train alternates between two routes, etc.  All of these were done using insulated control rails, relays, and in one case the Atlas signal system.  Very crude technology that goes back to the 1930s.

In theory, we should be able to do much, much more with LCS.  One of the key features should be a capability to randomly execute one of several scenarios (not sure if it can actually do this.)  However, I've hardly seen ANY full-fledged implementations on the Forum, YouTube, or even demonstration videos by Lionel itself.  What would their showroom have done if LCS existed in 1946?

Perhaps Lionel should announce a contest for the best use of LCS on a given-sized layout.  Maybe that would kick-start interest in the system, and by extension, sales and product development.

Yes, I think we were talking about two diff aspects of LCS

not sure why exact track pieces would be an issue- the diagram just needs to be an approximation of the actual track work

i never have really found a compelling use for the sensor tracks - still waiting to see that.

graz posted:

Yes, I think we were talking about two diff aspects of LCS

not sure why exact track pieces would be an issue- the diagram just needs to be an approximation of the actual track work

i never have really found a compelling use for the sensor tracks - still waiting to see that.

The LCS iPad App seems to have been orphaned by Lionel.  No upgrades that I am aware of.  The layout diagram is only there so you can visually see what switch you are activating.  You can also throw Atlas switches with the App if they are wired to an ASC2.  The only reason I would ever use the App is to activate switches.  It is much easier to press a switch icon on the mock up of your layout than it is to remember what the switch number is when controlling them with a Cab2.  The iPad screen also shows red and green to indicate the switch position.  I have never used the Sensor Track, but my understanding is that the RECORD function operates the same way as the RECORD function does on the Cab2.  I use RECORD on the Cab2 to choreograph startup, speed changes, bell, horn, etc for an automated run.  I then loop the recording so that it will repeat the entire programmed events.  Although switch changes can be included in the recording,  I don't include switch throws because the distance the train travels between the programmed events is not exactly the same each time the program is run.  My understanding is the Sensor Track can correct those distance errors so that you can reliably program switch activations into the recording so you could automatically change routes.

Ted S.,

One feature that you will not find in anyone's layout control system is randomness of a scenarios. 

JFC454 hit the nail on the head with the benefit of the sensor track to a scenario - having a consistent location for triggering events.

The iPad track representation was never intended to be a complete layout diagram - it was meant to detail areas that needed management or control - like real railroads - switch junctions - interlocks - yards - passing siding - etc. 

One can get quite a complex scenario with the Legacy base? Cab2 system with a few sensor track or sensor track hardware attached to an LCS WIFI. This permits the use of any track. Other devices like the switch controller or the SC-2 permit control of any switch motor.

I believe a basic reason that you don't see many layouts on auto pilot is the reason that we build them - we all enjoy operating the railroad.

Hi Carl

Although I bought the wi-fi unit I never got around to using it and it is still sitting in its box. I do however have three sensor tracks, with a fourth to be added soon. As my layout is small I find that with two  using arrival and departure dialogue and the third that sounds the horn in one direction, the fourth will be similar. Although I do have the cab 2 to run the Locomotives but only when I feel lazy do I use the memory option, and its fun to show my grandchildren without getting "hands on". I just leave them to run. (Not the grandchildren lol)

I personally think that there is quite a lot to be said about the legacy system, sometimes the crew talk can be boring but it does add fun. I do not think even after seven years I still find it great even better with the upgrades, now on version 1.6. Others may not agree but that's the beauty of the hobby, everyone has different ideas how they layout their own railroad. I dot know if you can see the sensor tracks in the attached shots, but I do have a lot of fun with my trains.

geepboy posted:

cjack posted:

LCS doesn't do 048 which is my inside loop. It only does curves which are multiples of 11 1/4 degrees

What does that mean? How is the implementation of LCS dependent on the selected curves? I'm lost.

Dan

Yes, I was talking about the layout app. I can get my whole layout on the iPad. Maybe I can fudge it more and make it more presentable. I do have most of my switches represented.

graz posted:

Yes, I think we were talking about two diff aspects of LCS

not sure why exact track pieces would be an issue- the diagram just needs to be an approximation of the actual track work

i never have really found a compelling use for the sensor tracks - still waiting to see that.

If you have one sensor track, you can run easier recordings. I made one that backs the train into a parking place. Now that Lionel has discontinued the modules shipped with engines, run the engine over the sensor and read all the info into the Base. Handy.