Power Supply / Transformer

Are you going to run dcs and remote with tiu and what kind of trains are you going to run, can make a difference unless your just going to run conventional with a ready to run set Lionel or MTH sets?

yes, how you will operate the trains is the first question. 

Something like this is available to remotely control the layout power with your phone

Which would imply that you will operate modern trains with command control via the phone...then we can describe how to power the layout

Thanks for the quick replies! I have a conventional electric Lionel train that is about 20 years old. It was a basic starter kit.... I would like to run DC and a remote if possible??

Operating that train remotely would require a decent expense into a modern transformer and controller set to operate it remotely.

Alan was talking about DCS, a type of train control by MTH, not DC or direct current power.

Lionel and MTH have equipment to enable you to operate a conventional train remotely with a mobile device app over WiFi connection.

A modern train set by Lionel (starter and up) can be operated directly by an app and Bluetooth. This would be the least expensive.

I would suggest that you get a modern transformer, which will be needed no matter how you decide to operate the train. An MTH Z-1000 or a Lionel GW-180    ( for a little more money ) are my recommendations. One of those would permit you to pre-set the speed and then use a remote AC control device to turn on the transformer and make the train run at set speed. This is good for display type of presentation.

Then, you can research and explore modern equipment and control options and determine which system will work for you.

Thank you, this is very helpful! I will read up on both systems....

Craig

OR.......consider a Piko battery R/C turnkey ready to run upgrade to your Lionel engine for about the cost of a Z-4000 by Robert Buck   717.309.0706  in York, PA just around the corner from the York Fairgrounds.  Robert has handled 0 gauge conversions for a lot of us.  His work is professional and he is attentive to custom details. He is also a multi discipline talented craftsman.  You will enjoy working with him.

You will not need any wires from track to a power supply and the engine will perform smoothly without any concern as to how far the loco  may be from a track/buss  power feed.

My only thought is that I should have done this years ago.