My O Gauge layout is Gargraves track with Ross Custom Switches powered the old fashioned way with a Lionel KW Transformer. I am just curious....If I purchased a new Lionel Locomotive with RailSounds, CrewTalk, Electrocouplers, etc..... How do I know what is going to work and what is not going to work? Will I even be able to blow the horn?
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By what you wrote, you are operating your trains in conventional mode. As such, you can run modern trains, yet not all the "features" on them will operate using conventional operation. I suggest doing research by reading this forums' past posts.
About 1997 i jumped from operating trains using my KW, to TMCC...and even the simplest "trick" of uncoupling cars off the engines' rear electro-coil coupler made me a BIG FAN of TMCC or DCS operation.
Simplest answer to your question is to obtain the user manual for the engine you are interested in running. It might tell you how to obtain some of the engine's functions through use of whistle or bell buttons on conventional transformers.
Chuck
The simple answer is, yes, you can run it with your kw. You will not have access to all its features. Every tmcc/legacy locomotive will run in conventional mode. You will be able to change direction and blow the horn/whistle. The railsounds will work but you would not be able to access the crewtalk. You will not be able to fire the electrocoupler. Most engines have a smoke switch. That will be your only way to turn smoke on or off. If you have a bell button, you will able to trigger the bell.
There are other numerous other command features depending on what engine you buy. They will not be accessible without the command control.
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