Why you like what you like??

Your shop owner was probably just trying to 'induce' you to buy the MTH system as there really are NO 'bad points' about the Lionel system. They are BOTH great systems with some differences. Many of us started like you trying to decide but usually end up buying both so with that said - go ahead and get the MTH DCS system (and make certain it is a Version 'L').

A deciding factor in normal times would be to assess your locomotive/engine roster and buy the system that you have the most of or a favorite engine with. At present, Lionel is back ordered on the new Legacy systems with no definite delivery date as yet. 

 

Some engines can be found from several different manufacturers again, with different features and level of detail. Sometimes your choice will be limited to a particular company. MTH Command control has been around since 2000 (earlier for Lionel's TMCC) but there have been some upgrades along the way. We would recommend doing your research when buying older equipment - most is still good but you have a lot to learn at your own pace. It's a fun process and you've come to the best place for (mostly) unbiased information.

 

Welcome to the wonderful world of O gauge command control. We think you'll be very pleased either way you go!

Both systems are equally adept at what they do.  I stumbled into DCS almost by accident and decided to stay there.    It was available, competitively priced, and provided the features and simplicity I was looking for.  That being said, it could have just as easily gone the other way (Legacy).  I think an advantage MTH/DCS has here is that pretty much ALL of their engines come equipped with DCS/Proto Sound 'X' - the starter kits lure you in with DCS commander and before you know it, you're in for the works.  Oddly enough, Legacy was constrained when I made my decision as well; it wasn't a huge factor in my decision, but I did think about it at the time.    Another factor was the RailKing Imperial line, which really hit my budget point and addressed most of my layout limitations.   Model railroading is more a seasonal "goofing off" thing for me, and $900-1500 per engine doesn't work well for me.  I guess I COULD spend that kind of cash with MTH Premier, but RailKing with DCS gives me a nice option.   

 

But I digress - it's all good.  Pick your poison.   It's not irreversible and both can ultimately interact if you choose to go in that direction.  I find that the command control aspect of my system typically the least painful financial burden - motive power and rolling stock kill you either way :-)

Think of it like Apple and Windows, or VHS and Betamax. Both different, both have mostly the same features, but some unique ones. Both have their own foibles and good points.

 

The Lionel system has a bigger market base, more companies make compatible product and is easier to setup.

 

The MTH system has maybe more features, is a little harder to set up (or requires a little more personal investment) and may be a bit more persnickety until you get it dialed in, and only works with MTH stuff.

 

ALL of the locos will operate in conventional mode, with just a transformer.

 

Spend some time researching before you buy. Don't let one little hiccup or nuance be a deal breaker.

That's the plan Roy.. I posted this here to get as much input as possible.. funny thing the fellow I spoke to today told me DCS was a much simpler system and much easier to set up and less complicated than the lionel.. Everyone has there own opinion.. Ford and Chevy..

Am I correct in assuming that BOTH systems will run Lionel or MTH in Conventional.. TMCC will run Lionel or MTH in command.. but MTH will only run MTH in command and not Lionels stuff?

 

All engines will operate with a conventional transformer that varies the track voltage to control the trains - i.e. Conventional control.

 

MTH's DCS will control most TMCC engines (but not the other way around) with the addition of a cable linking the MTH T.I.U. to a TMCC Cab1 base unit. Some operate this way but if you are going to do that you have to purchase a TMCC base. It makes more sense to just pick up a complete TMCC Cab1 set with its own remote and you end up with two controllers.

 

If I understand your question may have asked if both DCS and TMCC will control conventional engines and this is correct.  Both do this by varying the track voltage but the Lionel system requires extra components to do so.

 

Lionel has recently introduced a 'Legacy Lite' set that shows much promise.

Sorry RoyBoy, Betamax was always better the VHS. 

Getting back to trains, I have both systems. As they progress one will have a slight edge on the other. If you only want one system I would go with the engines you like best and buy their system. Don

Some folks have neither command system and some folks have both.

 

My 2 cents is pick out a couple of engines you might be interested in and then start with the command system from whichever manufacturer that might be.

 

Down the line you could also add the other command system if you decide you want that one too.

 

Jim

If you run conventional,you do not have to stick to 1 brand or convert conventional engines to DCS or TMCC or Legacy or whatever.  You can also buy used engines at 40% MSRP or less with the older electronics. You can run DCS and Lionel systems together but it is a hassle of having 2 brands of equipment.

 

Dale H

Welcome back! If you can afford it why not get both systems and not limit yourself?

 

--Greg

I would question the opinion of anyone who bad months either Legacy or DCS. Both have been around for a long time and both operate very successfully.

 

Many operators have both systems installed on their layouts, and those who operate just one system, I would guess the large majority use TMCC/Legacy.

All the command control systems have their little quirks, advantages and disadvantages, even DCC.  It's just a matter of getting used to them.

 

And the Forum's probably on WW-IX or WW-X by now...

 

Rusty

Any LHS that bad mouths products from any of the few remaining players in the field should be viewed with a great deal of skepticism.  They either have an axe to grind or they are pushing products based on their best interest and not yours.  

 

Both Lionel and MTH's systems have a lot going for them.  Neither is "better", they have their good points and not so good points and they actually play well together.

Is there any conflicts in running both systems on the same layout? Is it difficult to set them both up so they don't bump heads with each other..??

There should be no issue if you wire them up separately, aka pretend the other one doesn't exit.  They use completely different signal propagation techniques so they don't directly interfere  with each other.

 

You are more likely to have issues with the peculiarities of the individual systems.   MTH requires balanced "home run" wiring and Lionel uses your house wiring as part of a near field communications system. 

Both systems have been around for quite a while. Both can be used on the same layout without interfering with each other. However, some good layout planning will make implementation easier.

 

If you're building a layout for conventional operation, TMCC is a quick plug-in as it feeds a radio signal off the common (ground) line. You literaly connect the base to the common lead at the transformer.

 

DCS sends a digital signal along the "hot" side. To prevent the signal from canceling itself out, make sure that there is a break in the center rail between feed drops and make sure the "hot" buss wire isn't a continuous loop. That will allow you to connect the TIU in between the transformer and the buss on most layouts.

 

We've been running both systems on the club layout for more than a decade and installed Legacy (Lionel's next and improved generation of TMCC) when it was released a few years back. As you'll often see here on the forum, we have members who prefer TMCC, others who prefer DCS, and some (like myself) who have both. Working with both systems gives you access to a greater variety of locomotives.

I'm with Matt  We have had both running in tandem and also run conventional.  Both have quirks but both are awesome to use.  As long as it says Erie Lackawanna I run it

 

I went with TMCC because there are kits available that allow you to easily convert any conventional engine to TMCC.