sorry if i look stupid

so what is a( an) a (tiu) and (dcs)

DCS (Digital Command System)

TIU  (Track Interface Unit)

Those are the components to run MTH trains with DCS (Protosounds 2/3) in command mode. Will also run Lionel TMCC command trains when you buy a tmcc command base and adapter cable

Swank, welcome to the forum.

If you have a engine from MTH that is Proto 1, BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING change the battery - preferably to a BCR replacement. Failure to do so can scramble the electronics from a Proto 1 engine that has been sitting too long. You don't want that to happen.

Google J&W BCR for info on battery replacement.

Now, you do not need a TIU or DCS to run a Proto 1 Engine. That can be run from a traditional transformer.

DCS is a remote operating system unique to MTH.

The TIU is a Track Interface Unit that is used when running Proto 2 or Proto3 engines remotely with DCS. It goes between the transformer and track.

HTH

Paul

You don't need DCS to run any MTH engine.

They will all still run with the transformer and 2 wires to the track, but as Railrunnin stated, the protosounds 1 engines should have a new battery installed.

I want to make sure it runs everything it should  ,what I have is a big boy 30-1129-1 from 1998 and other older rail kings

sorry if i look stupid

I honestly wouldn't worry about it - you're in good company.

That is a nice lookin loco. thats definitely a protosounds 1 locomotive.  If it has the white battery in it, throw it away and replace with a new rechargeable 9 volt battery.

Here's a discussion on batteries posted a couple years ago on the forum;

https://ogrforum.com/t...the-2-4-volt-battery

swank,

    1st sense you are just getting back into the hobby of O Gauge trains lets determine,

with a little education just how you want to run your trains.  If you want to eventually run your trains via remote control there are a few things you are going to need to purchase and educate yourself on the proper usage of.  Because you worded your 1st post in the manner you did, it looks like you want to run your engines via remote control.  This is why you were guided toward the DCS.  This is the MTH remote control

system that can run all your different trains, either conventional type or Command type.

My suggestion is that if you want to run your engines with remote control that you purchase a new DCS package from a reputable dealer.  Purchase also Barry's DCS O Gauge Companion book and the OGR Video Guide to DCS.  These are the best 2 educational references on the market today for DCS train layouts.  Rich Melvin, the Boss here on the OGR forum, does an outstanding job, in the DCS Video, of teaching the correct way to set up and use the DCS, the visual education is unbeatable, especially for the beginner.  The DCS is a more complex remote control system and demands some education to use and understand.  After reading and watching the video come back and everyone will help you with any questions you will have. 

Welcome aboard and have fun with your trains.

PCRR/Dave

Yeah, why should you be any different than the rest of us!

Jerry