Traditional/Conventional Trains

I'd say that you have your childhood memories working for you. That's something that you just can't buy or make. It's just a natural extension of your youth and your memories. I find things to be pretty much the same as you do.

While all the modern stuff is nice, I don't like the sound of recorded whistles, chuffs, etc. I have had a couple TMCC engines, and while novel, I didn't take to them. I found I'd rather hear the real sound of a metal air whistle than the recorded sound of real train through a speaker. And as far as using command on an engine, well, I think it takes more attention to run them with a transformer throttle. They are cheaper to repair as well!

That's what makes the hobby an individual endeavor that can be shared with others. Everyone takes a different slant on it, but enjoys the same basic concept.

Their is definitely something special about running conventional with conventional engines. I think their is more of a tie to the engine that is running when you use a transformer vs. a remote. And the old conventional engines require a lot more attention to run. No cruise control, no electronics, just pure mechanics.

I have considered adding TMCC to my layout a few times, but with a switch so I could switch it on and off, so I could still run my trains conventionally. Like I said, I consider it, but then I think about all the electronics I deal with throughout the day. Do I really want another? The answer to that is a big NO!

But to each their own. If you want to run TMCC or DCS or Legacy, more power to you. They all seem neat, but just not for everyone.

Time to get out the Lincoln logs, the Erector set, maybe some Plasticville.

I understand what you mean about the tradition trains.  I keep swapping back and forth between PS 2 and traditional, both of which are great to run. Sometimes I like the sound and features, sometimes it is nice to hear the motors growl (as you mentioned) and smell the ozone!

Nice that both are available, so we can run what we want, when we want.

Like you RAK I constantly switch back and forth from command control to conventional control.  We really do have the best of both worlds.  Right now I'm running all conventional on my O Gauge layout.  As a matter of fact I've been running conventional since Christmas.  A whiff of ozone and the purr or growl, depending on your point of view, of an open frame motor and your back in the 50s.  Gotta love it.

I also run both DCS and conventional.  I use the remote for the conventional but would much rather use the transformer.

A couple of you have mentioned switching between command and conventional.  I was wondering if by switching you mean using a toggle type switch that disconnects the command unit and its associated power supplies and connects a transformer.  If so I would like to know the proper way to do that.

Thanks,

Ed

I sure like all the bells and whistles of command, but I find that I am leaning more toward conventional nowadays. The simplicity of conventional operation, the sound of the motors, the ozone smell of the old motors equals relaxation for me. It helps me forget about all the stresses of modern life.

"A couple of you have mentioned switching between command and conventional.  I was wondering if by switching you mean using a toggle type switch that disconnects the command unit and its associated power supplies and connects a transformer."

I run both the PS2 and Conventional via the DCS remote.  One the floor right now, I have the new PS2 Coal train, and an original 257 I bought from a fellow TCA member, earlier in the year.  These are on separate tracks (one is Standard Gauge, the other O Gauge).

I run the Coal Train from the "Engine" menu (via command control) and the 257 from the "Track" menu (controlling the track voltage)-just toggling back and forth.

At Christmas time, I went back to the setup I used on my garden railroad, 20 years ago.  This is a pre-war Type K with a Number 81 rheostat, so that was really conventional.

Nice to have a variety of ways to run trains.

Why not have and do both!

My current Hi-Rail DCS layout is set up to run both conventional (with the remote) and DCS (on same remote). I still have my favorite tinplate & PW trains and occasionally I park the new stuff off on sidings and just run the old to get nostalga back.

At Christmas time, I set up just  some old under the tree for retrieving the nostalga for self and other visitors. Have a look!

http://www.jcstudiosinc.com/BlogShowThread?id=746&categoryId=

http://www.jcstudiosinc.com/BlogShowThread?id=748&categoryId=

http://www.jcstudiosinc.com/Bl...tegoryMain?catId=975

Enjoy!

There's nothing wrong with wanting to go conventional.  There's a lot to be said for simplicity in this technology overload world.

A method of switching between conventonal and command, be it toggles, bannana plugs or whatever is the best way to go as long as you also have a command system.  Just in case you feel the need to get your geek on!

Rusty