Yes it will work fine controlling one engine, but the engine needs to be at it's factory setting.  It also sends full track voltage, so you won't be able to run conventional on the same loop.  G

Actually, you can the DCS-RC in passive mode and control a conventional on the same track within reason.  At about 8-9 volts, the DCS-RC starts to get confused, so slow running may be out for the conventional on the same tracks.

I've had several of them and didn't really care for them. I found the range to be very poor - new out of the box, with fresh batteries, etc, I usually had to have the remote within one foot of the base for it to work reasonably reliably.

I found it to be rather unreliable and unresponsive at times. Saw the same results with each one I had.

Great idea but I'd rather have something like Lionel's LC/LC+ so you are not tied to a base such as the full DCS system is (no pointing at the base for it to work).

My 6 year old has one for the train around his room and it works great. From our experience, the max range is around 8-9ft. The only intricacy is you have to point the remote in the direction of the base (the same as a TV). You can only run one MTH engine at a time however, if you have enough power you can run the Lionchief on the same track. I have an unused one I would be happy to send you to try out. 

Thanks GGG, John and SJC,

After reading GGG and John's feedback I was about to bite. I had planned for the unit to be used mostly on the outside loop of my layout (it runs around an enclosed center where the transformers and base would be).   the DCS-RC would be no more than 10-15 feet away from the base but, with the directional issues noted by SJC, it sounds like it would be an issue. 

HMMMM, $46 compared to $250...... I guess i could resell it if it does not work too well

Corey, We must have been typing messages at the same time.  I will take you up on that offer.  I will send details to your email address. thanks.