Only DCS

With DCS and by using the Variable output terminals on the TIU, you can run ANY 3-rail locomotive ever made in conventional mode.  You can even run Lionel Legacy and TMCC in conventional mode.

In this situation, the TIU varies the voltage present on the track from ~5-18V just like a transformer would.  The voltage can be controlled via the remote and (I think) the smartphone app.  It can also send the bell and whistle commands that Lionel engines typically respond to.  While running locomotives in conventional mode, you can continue running MTH locomotives in DCS command mode - though their top speed is limited by how much voltage is on the track.

Additionally, you don't need the Legacy system to run Lionel engines in command mode.  All you need is an older TMCC command base and a special cable to connect the command base to the TIU.  The cable is around $20 I think.  This will let you run any TMCC loco or any Legacy loco in TMCC mode where you get speed steps remote front and rear coupler operation, crew talk and tower com, adjustable volume, etc.  By using a TMCC command base with the TIU, you can keep the track at a full 18V so that everything can run at full speed (if desired).

You can also run LC, LC+ and LC+2 on fixed channels (or variable channels set to fixed) using the LC or Universal remote.

And if you use a transformer with throttles (not a brick) for power, you can run conventional locos using the transformer throttles.

@Pg3ibew posted:

I only run MTH DCS. I do not run anything conventionally. I know I am limiting myself. I don’t care. Lol. I know I can’t run any Lionel unless I buy the legacy system.
My question is, can I run ANY other brands with the DCS? Not that I really need to. There is a large enough pick from MTH.

As mentioned, if you desired, a used TMCC (or a Cab-1L base) and the correct MTH cable should allow you to run any Lionel TMCC or Legacy command locomotive pretty cheaply. Maybe without access to some features, but you would be able to control them without the expense of the Cab-2 Legacy system.

I've always thought they came out with the Cab-1L set due to sales lagging below expectations of the high cost Cab-2 Legacy set.

Thanks for all the replies. Yes, I know how to run conventionally. And I know about the legacy and tmcc. I choose not to run that way. Just my preference. I was just asking if there was a way to run other brands with DCS. I guess my answer is NO. And I am ok with that. There are plenty of MTH engines for me.

@Pg3ibew posted:

Thanks for all the replies. Yes, I know how to run conventionally. And I know about the legacy and tmcc. I choose not to run that way. Just my preference. I was just asking if there was a way to run other brands with DCS. I guess my answer is NO. And I am ok with that. There are plenty of MTH engines for me.

Actually this was also already answered by @rplst8. I am a dcs and conventional operator, but I did pick up an old tmcc base and cable.   I have two tmcc engines I have run this way, but I generally prefer not to.

"Additionally, you don't need the Legacy system to run Lionel engines in command mode.  All you need is an older TMCC command base and a special cable to connect the command base to the TIU.  The cable is around $20 I think.  This will let you run any TMCC loco or any Legacy loco in TMCC mode where you get speed steps remote front and rear coupler operation, crew talk and tower com, adjustable volume, etc.  By using a TMCC command base with the TIU, you can keep the track at a full 18V so that everything can run at full speed (if desired)."

To answer your original question, you can only run MTH products.  All of the other manufacturers licensed TMCC.  MTH has/had a very wide product line, so I don’t think you will really miss anything.

@Danr posted:

To answer your original question, you can only run MTH products.  All of the other manufacturers licensed TMCC.  MTH has/had a very wide product line, so I don’t think you will really miss anything.

Dan, that is what I figured. I am very very happy with all of my MTH locos. I always knew I needed tmcc or legacy for Lionel. Wasn’t sure about the others.

Yes you can, if you install DCS upgrade kits.  I have installed PS2 in three Weaver locos and one Williams.  Whether economically justifiable is your decision.  The old Weaver locos were top quality, and my 30-year old engines are fine runners

@RJR posted:

Yes you can, if you install DCS upgrade kits.  I have installed PS2 in three Weaver locos and one Williams.  Whether economically justifiable is your decision.  The old Weaver locos were top quality, and my 30-year old engines are fine runners

@RJR , well, yes. At that point, I may as well buy an MTH engine.

In most cases, you're right.  But if you have a very expensive non-MTH loco, it might be worth it.  Also, in my opinion the 1990's Weavers, made by Samhongsa l I believe, are superior runners to the Chinese recent MTHs.  Then there's sentiment......

Sentiment led me to upgrade a 1950 Lionel #736 Berkshire and a 1951 Lionel 624 switcher, installing new motors.  The 624 runs well, but with weakened megne-tracyion isn't a good puller.  PS2 in the 736 disclosed that it wouldn't run well at slow speeds, for mechanical reasons.