Running MTH and Williams Locomotives

Williams engines operate on traditional transformer control - not remote or command control. MTH has its own command control system known as DCS. Do a Google and YouTube search on MTH DCS - whole videos on how to set up and even combine with Lionel. If you want to run MTH PS 3.0 locos in command mode v traditional (conventional mode) you need either a DCS TIU or MTH Explorer.  Supply for the DCS system is spotty and I think expensive if you can find the components. Some would say other considerations as well since the legacy MTH company split up but most are hopeful in a sustained future for their product line including the DCS system.

Lots to investigate and lots to invest in if you want to expand to something beyond the LionChief engines. Your budget will guide your choices as you really need 2 systems to run MTH and Lionel command engines together, or at least components of each connected. You'll see this in the videos you find online.

I'm sure others will chime in with more specifics.

Thank you for the very informative answer! I love this community. With the information you provided, the MTH Explorer looks like a viable option and only runs ~$150. Not too crazy. Thanks.

Williams locos are also great candidates for command conversion. In the past 4 years, I have had 3 brass Crown Edition steamers converted to DCS /PS3 and one converted to TMCC. It's like getting a brand new loco for a fraction of the cost. The challenge today is finding the conversion components.

@PhillyNJ posted:

Hi,

My whole train setup/layout/collection has been Lionel. I am looking into getting into MTH and/or Williams O Gauge.

Any help is much appreciated!

If you like engines with details you could consider Pecos River and/or Weaver.  John

@PhillyNJ posted:

Hi,

My whole train setup/layout/collection has been Lionel. I am looking into getting into MTH and/or Williams O Gauge. I am moving away from traditional transformer control and have a couple of LionChief locomotives (2 on back order!). I love the remotes as I can easily run 2 trains on my layout and so can my 12 year old son.

What do I need to run MTH locomotives w/ENGINE W/PROTO-SOUND 3.0 and/or Williams locomotives. I can't really find a "getting started" videos or web sites.

Any help is much appreciated!

The attached graphic from the last MTH catalog can help you know what you need to run Lionel TMCC and Legacy usingthe MTH DCS:

Here's the main page for the MTH DCS: https://mthtrains.com/DCS/

I you want more than enough info, you might consider this MTH publication: 60-1386 - DCS Companion Book 3rd Edition – Soft Cover.

It is available from this MTH web page: https://mthtrains.com/60-1386

There is a soft cover and a digital download available.