JFC454 posted:1. Yes, just bare the two wires, as you unscrew the screw you will notice a little bar inside the opening will move up. Put the wire in and screw the bar down to secure it. If you are using something like a Fastrack terminal just insert one prong of the spade connector in the opening and tighten it down.
2. The Commander runs in two modes: DC or DCS. I am confused about what kinds of engines you want to run. As a straight DC power supply you could run some LIONEL engines. I had an RS3 conventional engine produced in the time frame of your T-1 and it would run on either AC or a DC power supply. The DCS mode would only be for MTH engines. Better ask someone you owns one of the engines you have to give you some advice on DC operation. You should NOT try to run Legacy with DC.
3. When you mentioned the handheld are you talking about the full MTH DCS system? MTH made a Remote Commander but that won't run Lionel engines.
Yep I am using fastrack so that should work and yes I was talking about the full system 
