Will it all work on one loop of Track?

You can run DCS and TMCC/Legacy at the same time, but conventional will be problematic.  You can certainly run conventional on the same tracks when you're not running the command stuff, that's not a problem.

Some will say you can run conventional and command together.  Trust me, it won't be a pleasant experience, they really don't play that well together.  Lowering the voltage and/or interrupting the track power for direction changes will drive the command stuff crazy.

I've only tried it with MTH Proto 2 locomotives running conventionally and Lionel TMCC/Legacy locomotives in command. The MTH engines ran slow at enough track voltage where we could speed up or slow down the Lionel engine to keep them separated. Never tried it the opposite way.

Nor with a completely conventional loco such as MTH Protosound or a Williams, suspected they might run too fast.

Thanks guys, I feel bad for not clarifying. I would not be running more than one system at the same time. Was just wanting one of these options available without having to disconnect or hook anything up.

Joe G.

I used toggles switches. I run 2 tracks. The M (Green) is for MTH/DCS/TMCC and the L (Red) is for Lionel/Conventional. So I could run Track 1 Conventional & Track 2 DCS/TMCC or visa versa. Or both tracks the same. Makes it really easy to switch over. Switches have a center neutral position. This prevents an accidental switch over when running. 

I have always had DCS and Legacy on the same loops and never had an issue or need switches to accomplish it.

If you use the variable TIU channels (in fixed mode) to control the tracks, you can seamlessly run TMCC, DCS, and conventional on the same track with no physical switching.  If you are running conventional, you simply power and select the track on the DCS remote and vary the thumbwheel, the channel drops into variable mode.  When you're done, the next power cycle on that TIU channel reverts to fixed mode again.

Thanks for all of the input everyone!!

John - I will try the variable channel. I just am a little gun shy. Several years ago when powering up the holiday display, I had a convention SF A-B-A that went airborne because I forgot to power up part of the TMCC first.  It literally ripped all of the pigtails out of the powered units, and had to send it out. It is beyond me how the shells did not crack or explode on impact. Needless to say, more careful now. Now, where did I put Barry's Book?

Joe Gozzo

gunrunnerjohn posted:

If you use the variable TIU channels (in fixed mode) to control the tracks, you can seamlessly run TMCC, DCS, and conventional on the same track with no physical switching.  If you are running conventional, you simply power and select the track on the DCS remote and vary the thumbwheel, the channel drops into variable mode.  When you're done, the next power cycle on that TIU channel reverts to fixed mode again.

I do something similar but I had Legacy first before I added DCS, so I use the Lionel Powermaster which allows me to control track power from my Legacy CAB 2 remote for operating conventional on the same loop where I operate Legacy and DCS. Rarely though have I run conventional locos while running command locos.  However, I am quite regularly running DCS and Legacy engines at the same time which I can now do just with the DCS app.