Running Conventionally again

I think you nailed it.  I like driving the trains almost as much as I like designing and building the layouts.

 

I love that we have options.  When I was a kid playing with my Dad, we only had one option--conventional.  Dad did go on to run our layout with a Commodore 64 for a while.

 

Cheers!

I have nothing against Legacy, DCS, etc., but I run only conventionally because I just prefer to do so.  Worked fine in 1953 - still works fine now. 

 

I do like LC+ remote though: I can sit in my workshop and run them while there, watching through the door.

Yep conventional rocks. I have a few remote operations but when it gets right down to what I prefer it is grabbing the throttle handle and pushing the buttons. Like Ringo Star "I'm a natural born button pusher"

I have done the same thing myself. I have Legacy and did have DCS and all the button and whistles and engines but have moved back to grabbing those handles (two Z4000) and running in the conventional mode. In fact I have been buying a lot of the WBB engines and enjoying them a lot.

I run conventional because I like being in control with both hand on my old trusty ZW's.

Handles and buttons for me too.  And, and occasional switch to LionChief Plus, which are basically smaller handles and buttons.  

I think it's great that we're operating/modeling in period where we can do BOTH....as we please.

 

I don't think it gets mentioned enough but today's Legacy engines actually run GREAT in conventional mode....if that's you're thing.

This is why I'll always build my layout to be able to run either command or conventional.  I like pulling the handle too much, as well as being able to do it with a remote and have other fun options.

This is another example of how there is no wrong way to enjoy the hobby of model railroading.

 

I always loved operating the ZW and feeling like I was at the throttle of a massive locomotive on my 5'X9' layout.  But as I began building larger layouts I dreamed of a time that I could walk along and follow the train, and not have to dash across the room to get to the ZW if a disaster occurred (too much speed or derailment).  

 

Once command control became available this hobby just exploded for me, I couldn't get enough of it.  I still run my post war and Williams trains conventionally, but I dreamed about remote operation even as a child.

 

Bottom line is, I'm happy anytime I see trains running!!  

Brian,

I think that is an excellent commentary on where we are today with train control.  There is something for everyone, and if one switches to the other mode, there is no reason not to switch back if so desired.

All I have ever run is conventional. I got away from trains when I was 14 and picked in up again after 45 years or so.

  First came Marx stuff off ebay then after going to a few shows I started adding O27 MPC and some post war things.

 

This may sound nuts but my biggest thrill came along about a year ago when I bought a 275 watt ZW !!!

 

When I was a kid   I lusted in my heart for that big, bad boy but it was not to be. The cost was way out of my league.

 

 Well I got the ZW home, opened it up to see what needed replacing.  It got new rollers, a new 15 amp circuit breaker and 2 zener diodes. The power cord was OK.

 

  The ZW is way overkill for my small O27 layout but there’s just some thing about seeing it and putting my hands on that makes me happy.

 

Yes, I understand.

 

Greg

Great replies guys. Thank you.   Completely in the spirit of how I meant this.

 

Greg, I loved your description of how excited your were to finally get a real 275w ZW.

 

That's just great!!

 

Again, we are in a great time for the O gauge hobby. 

 

Even with my conventional running these days, it is still fun for me to dial up a saved scenario on the DCS remote  and watch the faces of people as my layout comes to life with the push of one button

I run conventional....and always will.

I don't hate Tech....but that was my JOB for 30 years......as an IT Senior System Analyst for a top 5 bank,

Now I just want 'old time' relaxation. Command systems do fantastic things....and I enjoy watching folks use theirs.

But for me there is a nostalgic comforting feel I get from conventional. 

Check out my comment on the link below just before I read this thread.  

 

Midweek Haiku

 

Perfect example.  I had trouble with a DCS PS2 engine, and just didn't want to deal with it that day.  So I ran conventional, leaving the problem for a day I am in the mood.

I run conventionally with a PWC ZW.  While I have a Legacy Command Base, I only use it occasionally.  I just very much enjoy the hands on the handles, flipping the switches manually and just kicking back and watching my trains runs.  My collection has many conventional only locomotives as well as command equipped from both Lionel and MTH.  PS2/PS3 and Legacy locomotives run awesome in conventional to give me nice slow speed operation. Throw on an earlier Lionel or a WBB for some zipping around the rail fun.  I love it all.  At least right now, I am happy with conventional.

Good for you, there is absolutely nothing wring with this approach. Lee & Keith expressed this very well.

Same here. Lionel postwar-style layout, lots of operating accessories and trackside signals activated the old school way. Buzz, beep, bing.

 

Have ZW, will railroad.

I have run conventionally forever--since 1974.  I think that command control is awesome.  However, in O scale, one system makes one manufacturers stuff run correctly to access all the features but another company's won't and so on.  You are restricted to buying just certain makers engines and may need one or two separate command systems. 

 

Forget that!  I'm not spending my money until there is one system makes everything work and since that won't happen I'll continue to buy quality engines that you can make them use all their features in conventional mode.  End of story.

Hello John C............

I couldn't agree with you more as I am conventional lady too. I like the old school way of running trains like good old days. I love the sounds of E-unit buzzing on older Lionel. Parts for older Lionel are easy to find and repair at home is part of the fun.

 

the woman who loves the S.F.5011,2678,2003,200

Tiffany

I have my own fair share of command equipped engines, all scale, and run them in command, both TMCC and DCS, and it's great.

 

Having said that, lately I've found myself in a similar situation as you, where I've been operating my postwar and MPC-era engines quite a bit lately.  Only difference is that I don't have any special attraction to the transformer throttle, so I operate them conventionally using the DCS remote.  For me I still like the ability to operate the trains and move around the room at the same time.  That way I'm always in control no matter what part of the layout room I'm in. 

Speed control is great but with my WBB's I get to watch the engine control its own speed. Slowing down a little on curves and speeding up on straights. Very pleasant to watch and listen to.

Great thread and in the spirit it was intended by the OP. 

 

Alan

Since I am a junk collector and like to get older Lionel, Am. Flyers plus some Marx and Ives up and running, I am a conventional operator.  Have resuscitated about 12  Am. Flyer S gaugers lately and that wouldn't work with the new stuff but it is fun to watch and enjoy. Whatever floats your boat !!

I have TMCC equipped Lionel engines as well as MTH PS2 and 3 along with Williams.  I run everything off my trusty old Postwar ZW in conventional mode.

I will occasionally run the TMCC engines using the remote but, still prefer conventional operation.

When I run trains, I am apt to set them in motion and then move a stool around the perimeter of my layout and simply watch the trains go by; kind of a 1:48 railfan, if you will.  This prevents me from feeling tethered to the transformer.

Curt

One benefit of me having built my elevated rail is that I can run conventional on it whenever, just like the rest of the layout but still have the Legacy/IPad/TMCC and DCS going on the bottom level at the same time.

 

Right now I have a 2333 AA Santa Fe engine set running an all postwar freight consist on the elevated rail. The best part is that I can run using the ZW-L handle, TMCC remote, Legacy remote, or even the iPad. I love the sound of the postwar diesel horn.

And cool set of 2333's they are.

Steve

I LOVE running in the Legacy environment.I still operate a conventional control panel.Lionel switch throws,toggle switches to shut off areas of track,un coupling switches and so forth.Even though it can be done without(i pads,cell phones etc)It gives me the best of both worlds.

Sometimes I feel the 'Wiser" folks on this forum are the ones who run conventional layouts.

When you consider how many GREAT looking and GREAT running RELIABLE Williams Engines and Sets you can buy versus all the new fangled PS2/3, TMCC, and Legacy engines and sets, at a fraction of a cost, it is a no brainer.

Had I stuck to my guns and just went 100% Williams conventional or even thrown some Lionel into the mix I would have:

 

1) More money

2) Larger layout

3) More trains

4) Piece of mind that my $200 scale Williams GG-1 or Post War Lionel won't break down, versus the lost sleep over a $1000+ modern technology made in China toy with more electronics than a Star Wars Imperial Dreadnought, most likely will not be in working 20 years from now, when my Williams and even older Lionel Post War conventionals still are.

 

Of course, with the new United Nations carbon emissions policy the USA has signed and "Cap and Trade", we all might be running 100% LionChief+ !!

 

Started with pre and postwar lionel many years ago with a postwar ZW  another ZW for the lights etc.

Then dcs came about and bought the system and have several mth trains proto 2.0.

 

When in mood i turn on remote and run a mth engine when not i operate a pre or postwar

lionel train.

 

Recently bought a used williams engine fm trainmaster with magnetraction and dual pittman motors and liked the way they run and run so added a few more with different road names.

Then added few modern williams by bachman which run nice as well.

 

Always thought i would be in the lionel pre/postwar setup only as i enjoy fixing them tuneups etc.

Glad there are options and enjoy them.

 

 

Diesler,

I am glad there are options too.  Since I just came from 45 years of HO 2 or 3 years ago I am getting my feet wet on the different options in O gauge.  It is a wonderful experience.  Something for everyone.

I still run both since my layout is wired for the older traditional cab control in blocks.  Flip the toggles one way and the layout receives fixed voltage, flip them the other and my MRC handheld works just fine in conventional.  It really is the best of both worlds.

 

Not to get off topic....but it is a conventional question......

I bought a MRC duel power pack with the hand held controls.....yet to try it.....

How does it work with MTH command locos??? Any issues with PS2 or 3???

Any issues with Lionel???

Thanks for any info.

Amen to that.  I am conventional-only, too.

 

Great post.

been runnin ZWs at shows for years and is always a fun time. Like the noise old postwar whistles and horns and smoke.

Keep on Training

 

 

Dave, Steve Eastman has two and runs everything. He has never mentioned a problem and he runs prewar, postwar, MTH, TMCC, etc.

 

Bob

 

Popi at the throttle!  The 2065 looks great as well!