Question

Hi.  Saw your post, I've been searching for and looking for a similar solution for my daughter (personally have the full DCS system).  I think the answer depends upon a couple of things.

First maybe an attempt at some background information on the 50-1033.  The intent of the 50-1033 is to operate an engine using DCS command control, if you will, and per the manual provide access to the "most popular" DCS features with the remote.  It does not provide access to all DCS features.  To the best of my knowledge, it is the most affordable way to have easy access to some DCS features without running it in conventional mode and trying to use the various combinations of horn, whistle, and maybe direction buttons that are listed in the conventional section of the engine manual.  I have not compared the features the 50-1033 vs. what's available in conventional mode, but I know from experience the combination approach doesn't always work and I found it frustrating.  Now an attempt to answer your question, or at least provide a starting point.

1) You cannot plug a Z1000 transformer directly into the infrared receiver connected to the track and run a post war engine (without it running off the track).  Why?  The output from the receiver is a full 19 volts (I have a 50-1033 in my possession right now and I checked it) .  In other words, the output is not variable and your post war engines would receive a full 19V and run non-stop at full power (but not for long since they would likely go flying off the track at the first curve they hit).  The output is designed to run PS2/3 engines in 'command' mode.

2) If you have both the Z1000 transformer and the Z-Controller, then the answer is 'yes' but only by doing the following:

a) To Run PS2/3 Engine(s):  Connect the Z1000 to the 50-1033 receiver connected to the track.  Use the remote and have fun!

b) To run post war engines:  Disconnect the 50-1033 from the track, connect the Z1000 to the Z-controller, and the Z-controller directly to the track.  The Z-Controller enables you to vary (control) the voltage to the track, use the Z-Controller to run your post war engines/have fun!

3) From what I can tell, a 3rd option might be the 50-1028 DCS Commander Controller along with a Z-Controller (I purchased one for reasonable price).  First, don't confuse this with the 50-1033.  Technically the 50-1028 was made for HO scale engines and the output to the track is DC (most 3-rail motive power utilizes AC).  My understanding is a PS3 (and PS2) engine can run on DC power...but its very important you correctly attach to the track to ensure you have the correct polarity.  You can power this device with AC or DC, so the Z1000 can connect to it, and the 50-1028 converts the output to DC.  With this item, it appears you can access all or most of the DCS features on a PS3 engine.  BUT similar to the 50-1033 explained in 2) above, when you want to run your post war engines, you would need disconnect this from the track, connect the Z1000 to a Z-Controller connected to the track.

I hope that provides some help.

Lastly, you might change your post title (or do you have to do another post?) to include what your question is and get some additional help and responses from some others that would have more knowledge and advice about your question (which I believe is something like 'what is the most affordable way to access DCS features).