Lionel Loco on MTH Layout

Are you using the MTH "Remote Commander"?

If so, than this controller only interacts with the DCS command-control electronics in a (single) MTH engine running on from-the-factory settings.

In order to operate the Lionel locomotive, you need a transformer that actually controls the AC voltage on the rails, such as a Lionel CW-80 or MTH's Z-series transformer/controller combos (i.e. z-750 or z-1000)

---PCJ

IF your friend has DCS ,full DCS with the large hand held controller and his wires running thru a TIU he can feed his track thru one of the variable channels and raise and lower the voltage just like the old style conventional trains.(See manual)

But if he has the DCS commander he'll need another transformer that he can raise and lower the voltage on to run the Lionel engine.

David

thank you I have given him the site information and he is going to come on and read of your advice it's a bit to long for me to type out

if any of you folks are over here in future he has a small Hotel in DEVON

so you can talk Trains with him.

thank you again,

I'm sticking to my old Faithful LIONEL PW & one MTH Challenger.

If this is the small MTH remote commander set, he can go get any suitable transformer that will output 0-18VAC.  Does not have to be Lionel.  If his MTH transformer (Brick) works on your power, he can try to get a used controller (Z-750 or 1000).  He would plug his power source into it instead of the (remote receiver).  This way he can manually raise and lower track voltage with the handle.

If he has the MTH small remote that does raise and lower voltage to the track, then the Lionel engine should work on the MTH track.  Is he sure the Lionel train works?  G

Stewart: to clarify, the quoted post is referring to an (discontinued) older style remote included with some starter sets years ago, that only controlled conventional functions (horn/bell, accelerate/decelerate) by varying track voltage.

---PCJ