Putting together a 4x8 layout to be powered conventionally and by DCS. Will be using FasTrack. Layout will feature Lionel post war, modern era, and Lionchief trains. Up to two Lionchief trains may be run at once. The diagram of the 2-train layout is attached. Total of 6-remote/command switches plus accessories. Conventional power is a post war ZW.
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Are you saying that you want to run conventional with DCS commands, or that you want to switch back and forth from conventional and command control? DCS doesn't power anything.
Are your referring to MTH's Digital Command System? Why use that if you don't have any MTH locos? Just curious as it seems a bit unusual if you are just operating conventional postwar, MPC and LionChief locos. By the way, the image of the trackplan doesn't seem to be appearing.
Sorry, I am not up to speed with the terminologies. I'd like to operate the layout conventionally and or digitally. All switches and accessories should be digitally powered.
Attachments
Thanks for the clarification. LionChief locos are command locos and come with a remote. If those are your only command locos, you don't need an additional Lionel command system like TMCC (oldest) or Legacy (old but not that old) or the forthcoming Base 3.
But if you want to operate switches and accessories digitally with a remote, your best bet using Fastrack is using command equipped switches. Lionel has a layout control system called LCS controllable by their free app, I believe (no personal experience) that can potentially control the switches using your smartphone or tablet. I don't believe the app can directly address Fastrack command switches. Just have no hands on experience here.
There are also some command equipped accessories that have been made over the years. Don't know whether these can be controlled using the LCS and the smart device app. Perhaps someone else will comment who is familiar with the LCS and the app.
In order to directly use command equipped Fastrack switches and accessories outside of the layout control system, you otherwise would need to use an old TMCC remote and command base (purchased used) or a Legacy cab-2 remote and command base (no longer made, so ditto). This is not the ideal time to be purchasing TMCC or Legacy remotes and command bases as prices are through the roof as we await the Base 3 command base.
There may be other means of operating Fastrack command switches but I'm not aware of them. You might want to postpone trying to remote control the Fastrack command switches until the Lionel command system equipment is available at reasonable prices, or the Base 3 is available and proven reliable.
Another thought is for a layout of this smaller size, just using a control panel for the switches (wired), employing the controller that comes with each switch. Completely avoids the command issues at present.
Thank you, Landsteiner. Exactly the advise I was look for.