Mixing TMCC/Legacy and MTH DCS on the same layout?

Unfortunately you will need DCS to run PS-2/3 engines in command mode.

The good news is that with DCS you can also run TMCC engines using all TMCC functions, AND Legacy engines using all TMCC features. You will not however be able to access Legacy only features with DCS.

The three systems easily coexist with each other, and can all be run simultaneously.

Rod

You could get the DCS Remote Commander for around $40. This will control all the basic functions of DCS in command mode.

In this scenario, I'd be running TMCC/Legacy for most of my locomotives and using a DCS Remote Commander for my 1 MTH loco, correct? If so, then DCS won't interfere with the TMCC and vice versa even if I'm running both types of locos at the same time? If that's the case, this is probably the way I'll go.

Thanks,

Ken

Correct, you can run the DCS Remote Commander and TMCC/Legacy on the same tracks at the same time.

Note that I doubt the DCS Remote Commander will have the same capability to drive a large layout as the full DCS system.  Also, if you're running more than a single train, I'd run in passive mode, don't try to pump the track power through the little DCS remote Commander receiver.

If have an existing Legacy/TMCC setup installing a TIU in passive mode is the easiest and safest may be get full DCS control.  Running a TIU in passive mode eliminates any concern of overdriving the TIU (10 amp max).

This is what I did and it took me all of 10 minutes to get it running.

Since you guys are on the topic. I am still on the fence about which system to go with. I have seen the DCS TIU with a TMMC piggy backed into it and liked the setup although I get the impression that will get phased out quickly now. I am just starting and have only one MTH ps2 engine that I bought at a show. I think for me to get started I will probably have to go with something that is a few years older for the value, i.e. MTH DCS Rev L. non usb. I have seen the Legacy remote and MTH remote and legacy looks simpler but I like some of the detail in the MTH engines and they seem to be at a better price point for what one might get who does not have a larger budget. I know this could start a blood bath, but please don't hold back.

You can connect the Legacy base to the TIU and run both, that's not being phased out.  Do you have Legacy engines?  If so, I'd want the Legacy system, even if I also got the MTH system.

If you want full Legacy and DCS features get both systems.  They are both very interesting and lots of fun!

I have both systems on my layout, and they work just fine together.

It gives me the best of both worlds. Enjoy!

I have found out that with a Legacy System, and a TPC 300/400, with the momentum set at 'M' , you can have control of DCS engines. For instance if you want station stops, you carefully throttle the 'red wheel' to the point where the track power is nearly off, then bring it back up, the engine will stall, then goes through a station sounds sequence. By pressing '2' on the number pad you may hear different dialog. When you roll the 'red wheel' down and up again the engine will announce it is leaving the station, and go on its own. It takes a little finesse and fun to play with. But if you're not that patient, get the DCS system which would make all this happen easier. I've had some fun with this(Legacy on DCS) and it's just amazing how the engine releases steam and goes on its merry way.

The easiest and possibly cheapest way to operate an MTH loco is tp add a lionel TPC unit and run your PS2 loco conventionally.

Lionels TPC unit was designed with conventional operation of MTH PS1 and 2 locos in mind,it will allow the ability to blow the whistle,ring the bell, fire the coupler and access some of the freight/stationsounds. There  are instructions pertaining to this in the TPC manual. Bell, whistle,  and coupler all work via the corresponding buttons on the legacy remote.

I have operated an MTH  PS2 steamer with a Lionel TPC unit. Once the loco is under way, one would be hard pressed to even tell that its not being run under command,the loco can even crawl at a start and runs extrmely sooth at speed.

I believe you're actually running the TPC in Conventional mode.  When you push the M on the Cab-2 before you start up the TPC that puts the TPC in Conventional Mode.  The throttle knob then varies the voltage just like a transformer handle would do.   You're not actually running DCS but the MTH mode where some of the DCS features are available Conventional Mode. 

I still say the easiest and best way is to get the full DCS set and run the TIU in passive mode.  All you have to do is connect the track voltage to the OUTPUT of the TIU and run it off auxiliary power (a Z-500 brick for instance.) Full DCS, no TIU worries and away you go.