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RTR Comparison

Steve CSteve COGR Forum Member

Hello,

 

I am just getting into O gauge (I bought my grandson a Lionel RTR set) and have some questions concerning MTH vs Lionel.

 

I would like to be able to couple and uncouple cars and build up different consists.  I would need to purchase some uncoupling sections of track and some switches but I want to just stick with the basics for this discussion.  So let's say I add two sections of uncoupling track to the basic RTR set.

 

The set I bought my grandson (6-30155 M&StL) came with a basic diesel engine and a basic transformer.  The literature says both the engine and the cars have operating couplers.  Given that, would I be able to uncouple any two cars/engine with just the addition of the uncoupling sections of track to this basic set up or would I also need to upgrade the transformer to at least the CW80 model (I think I need the accessory connections for the added track)?

 

It seems that if I had purchased an MTH RTR set, I would have been able to remotely uncouple the engine with the DCS Remote Commander that comes with the MTH sets.  I think I would have had to add additional uncoupling sections to uncouple the cars and an accessory power supply (not sure) as I don't think the car couplers are operable with the DCS Remote Commander..

 

Now for expansion.  Eventually I would like to get into remote operations.  But let's limit it to one train at this time.  I get the impression that I will have to replace both the power supply and the engine in the Lionel RTR set to get into remote operations.  If the set had been MTH it seems that the everything is already there.

 

If I moved up to remotely controlling two trains, I would still have to replace both the engine and power supply in the Lionel set and purchase an additional engine.  In the MTH set I would have to upgrade the power supply (to DCS?) but only purchase one additional engine.

 

And finally, if I purchase an MTH RTR set, can I replace the RealTrax with Lionel Fastrack and Lionel uncoupling sections, and be able to uncouple the cars and run the MTH engine with the MTH power supply and the DCS remote commander?

 

Perhaps there is some literature somewhere that explains the differences between the Lionel system and MTH system and what can be mixed and matched between the two.

 

Thanks.

 

Steve

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Allan MillerAllan MillerOGR Editor-in-Chief SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

With your basic Lionel set, you will need to add uncoupler sections to the track if you want to uncouple cars.

 

If you had purchased an MTH set with the DCS Remote Commander, you would be able to uncouple the engine anywhere along the track with the handheld remote.  No uncoupling track sections needed unless you want to uncouple individual cars in the train.  You can only control one train with the Remote Commander; multiple train control requires the full MTH DCS system.

 

You can operate any Lionel or MTH starter set on either Lionel's FasTrack or the MTH RealTrax (or various other track brands as well).

 

If you want a larger power supply (you really won't need it for a basic oval of track) there are a variety to choose from.  If you plan on operating MTH trains at some point, I would avoid the Lionel CW-80 transformer since it is not on the MTH list of recommended power sources.

Steve CSteve COGR Forum Member

Thank Allan.  What I am currently thinking of doing is acquiring an MTH RTR set and replacing the track with Fastrack.  I have attached a drawing of my proposed layout on 4x7.  It was designed with an MTH track parameter file but I will create one for Fastrack once I get the 31 curve in the parameter file.  Am I correct in assuming that I will be able to uncouple MTH cars over a Lionel uncoupling section?  Everything would be MTH except for the track.

 

Steve

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Marty RMarty ROGR Forum Member

You will be able to uncouple over the Lionel uncoulpling section. I think you made a good choice. All MTH RTR set couplers have the ability to be uncoupled over a track section. My 2 lionel RTR stes have entirely plastic couplers, that while "operable", only open by hand. Also note fasttrack has an 036 diameter. Larger is always nicer, if it fits, but it will need to be a plan consideration.

Steve CSteve COGR Forum Member

Thanks Marty.  The Fastrack uncoupling section will save a bit of room if needed since it is only 5" long instead of the MTH 10".

 

I think you salvage more from the MTH set when you start expanding.  It might be tight staying within a 4' boundary with the 036.  I'll try it with both the 031 and 036 and see how it works out.

 

Steve

Marty RMarty ROGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by Steve C:

Thanks Marty.  The Fastrack uncoupling section will save a bit of room if needed since it is only 5" long instead of the MTH 10".

 

I think you salvage more from the MTH set when you start expanding.  It might be tight staying within a 4' boundary with the 036.  I'll try it with both the 031 and 036 and see how it works out.

 

Steve

Steve

Can you post a bigger pcture in the track planning forum. I cant make your double loop in 4'x7' with O36, or realtrax, for that matter. I'm trying for fun in my rr track software. Did yyou do it with the software that came with the set?

Last edited by Marty R
Steve CSteve COGR Forum Member

Marty,

 

Correction.  The Realtrax parameter file that I used was not supplied with the software.  I downloaded it from the xtrkcad users group.  I looked at the layout I posted more closely and it looks like the O31 curve is not what it should be so I will stop using that file for any layouts but then again, I plan on using Fastrack anyway.

 

The layout I posted for the Fastrack double loop was done using the parameter file that came with the software.  But I did modify that parameter file to add the O31 curve (because it was not in there) and it looks to be correct.  You should be able to duplicate that one.  Let me know how it works out.

 

Steve

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