remote control systems

Neil,

Do you have Lionel Legacy Engines? If so, you are best getting Legacy to get their full features. If you are just running Lionel TMCC engines then you can just use MTH's DCS, so you have one command system for both your Lionel and MTH engines. Here is the kicker! If you have legacy engines and you want full features you need to get Legacy and MTH DCS. Lionel's command systems will not run MTH command engines.

Chris

If you post the product numbers of the engines you have it would be easier to recommend a certain system.  Also, do you think you would be expanding? then you may want to plan for the future. 

The simple answer is if you have Lionel TMCC or Legacy equipped command control engines, you will need the Lionel TMCC (no longer made) or Legacy remote system.  If you have MTH PS2 or PS3 command control equipped locos, you'll need DCS the MTH command system.  It is possible to use the MTH DCS remote to control most of the functions of the Lionel locos, but you'll still need to buy a Lionel system to connect to the DCS TIU if you want to do this.  So reconcile yourself to buying both systems if you want remote control of both manufacturers' locos in command mode.

Since you have a z4000 if you want to run just conventional you can add this to the z4000 several avail on the auction website

.

Since you have the Z4000 I think the Z4000 remote system is a good option.  It controls the transformer remotely so it would work all trains the same way the Z4000 does.  I'm not sure if MTH is still making them so it might be harder to find than the other options.

MTH is producing the Z4000 remote again.

Thank you guys. Someone above ask what engines I have.

I have the basic Polar Express Lionel

Lionel Big Boy not sure of the model number

and Lionel Cass Shay

In MTH I have

MTH

We need the model numbers to know what capabilities they have.  The Big Boy and the Shay could be either conventional or command, they came in both types.

I have to agree that if you are running both MTH and Lionel, you may want to consider having both systems. I know this is expensive. Which is why I am not in any sort of hurry to do this myself. I have a simple MTH remote/transformer set up and I can run all my Lionel Legacy equipped locomotives just fine, but as mentioned, I cannot access all the perks within the locomotive. Smoke settings and horn blast as well as various light settings. I can live without all that for now. Obviously, my MTH locomotives can run just fine on that remote system.

Pete

Thank you,  I will look them up today.  Gotta pull them from the closet

wvtrumpet,

    I look at this in a different way than most, if you really like running your trains with remote control, I suggest you save your self some money in the long run, and invest in

a full DCS package, along with the side receiver for your Z4K.  No matter which engines you have right now you can at least run them in Conventional mode with the full DCS unit.  Sense you already have the Z4K the side receiver opens a few more options in the conventional engine mode.  Now if you are looking to keep things on the inexpensive side, and only use conventional engines, the Z 4000 remote is the way to go.  However if you intend to invest in either MTH P2/P3 or Lionel Legacy engines invest in the full DCS unit from the get go.  Later then you can add the 990 Legacy base unit.  If you decide you need even more power the old ZW's run the DCS and Legacy perfectly when set up correctly.

Have fun with your new remote control trains!

PCRR/Dave

Model numbers

The big boy is Legacy equipped 6-11149

The Cass is 6-11140 trainmaster and railsounds

Personally I think it is a crying shame the RC systems are without unilateral standardization. There is still plenty of room for special features - but the core surely needs to be standardized - with upgradeable modules within the engines to keep current.

And I also think we have the tendency to let Lionel and MTH own the show when there are other RC systems available. Yes, you have to replace the 'guts' - but that is better than sitting on a shelf collecting dust.

Just my two cents....

I am with you.  As a casual railroader, I would say that it really stinks that there is not a universal system.  Honestly,  things like that keep me from going full force into this great hobby!