IF you just want to run trains conventionally, a post war ZW will be just fine. The ZW served our fathers and grandfathers just fine. It will also interface with the different proprietary operating systems (with additional electronic hardware).
Sometimes the focus of "just running trains" is lost in the arguments of who makes a better proprietary control system, what power source best supports that product. What engine cosmetic details and electronic features are better.
An MTH Z4000 is a good conventional operation power source and will support most mfg products proprietary operating systems( provided you buy whatever additional control items required to support the engines operating system).
IF you buy what you LIKE in motive power and rolling stock, there is always a way to make everything compatible , down the road( sometimes you have to have deep pockets.).
If you like the Lionel LIONCHIEF product, the sets come with a wall transformer and " specific to the engine" hand held controller.
Deciding whether you choose to run conventional, command control, DCC. , is a learning curve best given some time in the hobby, lest you end up owning a lot of expensive un necessary components.
I personally own Lionel conventional andTMCC engines, MTH PS1, PS2, AND PS3 engines and a Legacy engine.
I personally like to just run trains..most of the time conventionally. I do not own a Legacy or MTH controller
( personally don't need the features).
Long story short..start out with a ZW or Z4000 or more importantly what ever you can afford... that works for you.
And have fun running trains.
