I have seen many mth engines I wish I could purchase but I haven't because I have the legacy system. Is there an easy way to use the legacy with mth engines?
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Hi I run both on my layout. I can control my legacy engines with the MTH DCS system but the legacy system won't control the MTH engines. Everything seems to work well together.
I enjoy both manufacturer's products too 
Good luck with it!
Rick
With a powermaster or TPC you can control them conventionally but no command control.
You can get a DCS system and cable to wire the bases together and you will be able to use the DCS handheld to control the basic TMCC functions (speed, whistle, couplers bell) but you will get none of the Legacy specific features
To get all the features of your engines get both systems and run the one designed for your engine with it
The way I do it is as follows:
I own a MTH DCS System and a Lionel Legacy System.
First I attached a MTH brick to the MRH TIUs Fixed Channel 1 Input, then feed wires to the track via Fixed Channel 1 Output.
I then attached a ground wire from the Legacy Base to to the track.
Plug in the Legacy Power Plug into the wall outlet.
Done.
BUT...Two Systems and One Remote.
There is a way to use one MTH remote and a MTH TIU and Lionel Legacy Base, but that is beyond my skills.
There is a way to use one MTH remote and a MTH TIU and Lionel Legacy Base, but that is beyond my skills.
That's discussed in detail in The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition on pages 121-125, with wiring diagrams for connecting the TIU and the Legacy/TMCC Base.
This and a whole lot more is all in MTH’s “The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!
Best way is to purchase the 50-1001 DCS Remote Control Set. Then you can have the best of both systems. They work very well together. I also have both and have no problems with either system or any conflicts between the two. Barry's book above is also recommended if you go with the DCS system.
Simply buy the DCS system and connect a legacy or TMCC controller. I run both MTH and Lionel legacy without issue. Best of both worlds.
Originally Posted by Barry Broskowitz:
Best way is to purchase the 50-1001 DCS Remote Control Set. Then you can have the best of both systems.
That would severely limit the use of many of DCS's features and functions, and also restrict the use of PS2 or PS3 engines to one at a time.
Holy mackerel, I'm totally confused now? I was referring to the full DCS system with remote and TIU - 50-1001 - I didn't think it got any better than that? Could you be talking about the Remote Commander thing here, the one that comes with the starter sets?
I think Barry thought you were talking about a different product, the DCS Remote Commander.
John,
I think Barry thought you were talking about a different product, the DCS Remote Commander.
Exactly. I've removed my post.
