Lionel FT A-Unit: Convert to MTH PS2 or buy MTH A-B-A PS3

I own all Lionel motive power but, if I were you, I'd go with the MTH FT set. 

The detail on the MTH FT's is much better than the Lionel version which is more along the lines of "starter set quality."

The conversion of the Lionel unit still might short-change you on details such as marker lights, etc. which the MTH units will have.

I don't see any need for anything other than the DCS system with your gameplan.

Dump all your MTH and hope you get back a few cents on the dollar; then go all TMCC/Legacy.

Thanks for the comments. I do plan to purchase a DCS unit, in the not to distant future, when I have a layout that will run more than one train at a time.

I wish the MTH set was an FT set, but it is an F3 set. Not a lot of difference but I like the flat walkway on the top of the FT units over the fully curved tops of the F3.

On the other hand the Lionel FT is semi scale, while the MTH F3's are scale (still 31" curves), which is a bit more impressive. I don't know if the set would dwarf the semi scale cars, but the F3's are not that much longer, and I do have all five of the GCE cares, including the baggage and dining cars.

Really, dump the MTH? Why?

Please provide some data as to your rather extreem suggestion.

Because sometimes people feel the need to interject their opinions when other people are in fact asking a question because they are in need of assistance.

I say opinions because that is all it is.  You will find people here that say Lionel all they way and others that say MTH all the way or I like and run both.  

Choose/stick with what you prefer, what you can afford, and what you enjoy the most.

Also, you will find that most will probably say not to upgrade conventional to full command unless that specific train has a certain personal value to you.  This I understand because from what I've been told, it can get pricey (parts + should have installed by licensed repair person.  figure in shipping charges too)

Not sure if they told you this, but when you purchase the full DCS system you will be able to run your conventional set (or any other conventional set) just fine with the DCS remote using one of the variable channels without having to do anything special or add any other devices or convert anything to make it work. When you expand your layout you can have a loop for conventional operation and run it there. No need to convert anything either. It will all work just as it is with the DCS remote.

I would recommend purchasing the DCS O Gauge Companion by our very own forum member Barry Broskowitz. It's an excellent reference on the DCS system and will fully explain all your conventional operation possibilities and many other things as well. This would be a good item to purchase right away, it will pay for itself many times over. 

Welcome to the OGR Forum, this is the best place around for O gauge information. As for selling your MTH trains and switching to Lionel, others have opinions you will have to wade through, sort out and make up your own mind. Actually we all have opinions on one thing or another, but most here will be objective on most things and try to help with valid answers to your problems. Some are very loyal to their chosen brands and other things. Lionel and MTH are both good brands and they both make excellent products, as do the other O gauge train manufacturers. One is not better than the other, they all have pros and cons and as with everything, some items have problems.

There are many things around here that are frequently debated, just a few of them are:

Track Cleaning methods and cleaners to use?

Which train manufacturer is better?

Which command control system is better?

Which method is best to control your trains, command control or conventional?

Which track system is better?

Are postwar trains better than new modern electronic trains? 

There are many more subjects like this and good discussions on these things increase one's knowledge immensely and are always interesting to read. Usually, you will certainly be presented with a LOT of ideas, opinions and options.

Bottom line is it's your trains and layout. You are the one that needs to be happy with it all and enjoy it. You have to sort out some of the information and choose what is best for you, your specific needs and setup. One person's perfect track system or control system may be your worst nightmares.  

Great comments, and very encouraging. From all of you.

Thanks for the welcome, and I will try not to be a stranger.

How do I go about buying this book?

Never mind: I found in on Amazon and ordered it.

Question about running conventional with the DCS remote.

Can I just block out a spur to park the convention locomotive on, when not in use, and then just bring it out whenever I want to run it, or does it have to be dedicated to a separate loop?

You can run ALL of your trains if you hook up your TIU to Variable 1 w/ Auxiliary power. BUT, the speed of your PS2/3 trains would be limited to what the voltage on the track is. OR you could make a separate siding to store your conventional trains. As a 3 option, you could have 2 ISOLATED LOOPS to run command and conventional trains on. I would go with no.1 because you can run EVERYTHING at once. Just my 2 cents.

Nickstrains.

P.S. I also will be building a layout in the near future.

Can you expound on the 1st option where all trains can be run on the track?

The book you ordered will explain all the different running methods in detail, much better than we could post here, unless Barry stops by and posts a quote from his book. The easiest option would be #3, separate loop, but the others are options as well.

I think doing as you suggest, parking on a switched (power on/off switch) spur and bringing it out only when you want to run it would be pretty easy as well.

Understood.

BTW, I ordered the OGR DCS Video Guide as well.

Lots to learn, but my grandsons are only 8 months old, so I have time.

I know that the book and video will give the details, but I have two simple questions.

1)      Can I run Lion Chief locos with DCS locos on the same track, at the same time, under the same settings?

2)      From all that I have read, and from the post above (Option 1) it seems that conventional locos can run on the same track, and at the same time as DCS locos. I think I have misunderstood something, as it seems that there would have to be power blocks involved.

Can someone just verify if this is True or not?

1)      Can I run Lion Chief locos with DCS locos on the same track, at the same time, under the same settings?

Yes, you can, using the remote that accompanies the Lion Chief engine.

2)      From all that I have read, and from the post above (Option 1) it seems that conventional locos can run on the same track, and at the same time as DCS locos. I think I have misunderstood something, as it seems that there would have to be power blocks involved. but can you verify that this is or is not true?

Yes, they can, although it can be a bit of a "juggling act". The book that you just purchased (thank you!) will explain it all in detail.

Thanks Barry

I was pretty sure about the Lion Chief Question.

Great news with the conventional running, and I now await the book and video for the details, and to see if I want to actually try it.

Thanks again,

Roger

The video is good too, a little old, but a lot still applies and it's explained well and easy to watch.