need opinions

I would recommend getting both systems, you may end up with both sooner or later anyway. You won't be limited to one brand or the other, you can do both. But if you currently prefer MTH then get DCS first. I also started with MTH and DCS. Then added Legacy later on.

I find the smoke output between Legacy and MTH about the same, they are both very good smokers, at least the ones I have. I have all newer diesels, no steam. They both also have good sound, but I would give Legacy a slight advantage here. MTH is close and catching up.

Legacy might be easier to hook up? DCS has some wiring guidelines you need to follow for optimal operation, but it is not difficult at all to get up and running. I have them both and have had no problems with either system. I also think there are advantages to having both systems in the wiring of your layout.

My experience:

Most of my engines are MTH. Smoke output varies from good to really really good. Lone exception is a PS3 diesel with twin stacks.

I have two Legacy diesels, a GP7 and GP9 each with twin stacks. Smoke output on both has been a complete fail. This is a known issue and can be fixed but it's not a priority on my to-do list. I don't have any Legacy steamers yet so don't know about those.

I prefer DCS to Legacy operation. I have a small layout with a lot of switching and DCS is a better fit for me. Its important that you do your wiring right and use Barry's book as a guide. DCS was not forgiving of my initial poor wiring practices. After a wiring overhaul and magic light bulb, however, it has been flawless. Also you can run all of the Legacy TMCC functions with the DCS remote. Legacy can't run DCS.

I have the Cab 1L plus Base combination for Legacy. Legacy is supposed to be a little more forgiving than DCS when it comes to wiring. For what the Cab 1L can do it is a very good unit.

For detail and sound quality I really love the Legacy diesels vs. even the MTH PS3. Well worth the extra cost which is typically a little more on average for a Legacy engine vs. a PS3.

Electro coupler performance is a big deal for me and this is where my MTH engines have been superior to the Legacy and TMCC engines I have. The MTH engines perform much better at low speed.

Of course this is all just me. Others will have different feedback. If you have an LHS you can go and see and hear for yourself.

S

Both.

Vic,

   I agree with Marty F, however money is a factor.  I answered your question more fully in the TMCC Legacy section, give it a read.

PCRR/Dave

ok ,,after looking at numerous youtube videos and reading all good opinions here ,,i decided

engines  mth

track lionel ..( looks better)

dcs ,,mth

the only thing that scares me from mth dcs is the many confusing wiring ,,lionel looks much less confusing ,,more "clean" , easier .

Get a copy of the DCS O Gauge Companion by our own Barry Broskowitz and wire your layout as closely as possible to the recommendations in the book. I would not wire it to Lionel recommendations. DCS is a bit more finicky then Legacy so you need to wire for that. Legacy can be added later by adding just one wire.

OGR also has a good video on DCS, available in their online store.

DCS is not that hard to wire.

Note, Barry is the expert, but I'll give you my working rules:

Break the center rail every 12 pieces of track, This makes blocks of track.

Try to keep the number of blocks reasonable. (Go for 12 pieces of track per block)

Run an pair of Hot and Neutral wires from the TIU to each block.

Be sure to Use Fixed 1 or power the TIU in the Aux Power connection.

You can use all 4 channels to various blocks get more signal.

Buss has been used with some modification. This has been done by modular groups.

1.Track still needs to be in blocks.

2. Break the loop at the far end from the TIU.

3. Add a Engineered Filter from Susan Deets at each power drop or optimally at each side of the block breaks in the center rail.

Vic,

   I suggest you purchase both Barry's O Gauge DCS Companion book, and the OGR Video Guide to DCS, and follow the rules Russell has given you in his post.

DCS is a great system but you must use discipline when building, later you can then add the 990 Legacy and some Lionel Legacy engines to your FasTrack DCS layout.

Enjoy your layout building!

PCRR/Dave

thanks guys , just ordered the OGR Video Guide to DCS

Another vote for both. Don't forget Barry's book.

Bob

where can i purchase barrys video ?

Vic,

   Barry has no Video, he has the book only, wish he had the book in video form.

Barry don't throw that engine at me! 

PCRR/Dave

MTH or Amazon for Barry's book. I highly recommend the printed copy over the digital copy. You can take the print copy to the layout with you if need be, and it probably will be needed there sooner or later.

OTOH, you can search the digital copy, a feature I find handy sometimes.

I really have both the digital and printed copies. I always end up with the printed copy when trying to do anything new, forgotten, or at the layout though. I do use the digital copy, just not too often.