Hello All,
I'm new to the forum so here is a some background, and I apologize in advance for this being so long. For Christmas my younger brother gave me some cool looking, loose Amtrak aluminum cars and what I think is an old Lionel engine. I will post a pic of that hoping someone can please help me identify it (I think my brother thought these were all vintage items). However, they did not come with track or a transformer. I haven't had any model trains since I was a kid. When we were kids in the late 70's (about 10 & 13yo) my dad put us on an Amtrak train by ourselve to go visit relatives in Austin, Texas because I think he was concerned Amtrak may not around when we got older. He wanted us to have the experience of riding a passenger train. So I think my brother's gift was somewhat inspired by that childhood memory we shared together.
After some reading and researching I learned the Amtrak passenger cars are from an MTH Premier set 20-6508. So I picked up a Z-750 transformer, some Realtrax, and a lock-on, but also decided to purchase a Williams 20701 powered A/dummy B Amtrak F7 set in case I had any trouble with the older engine. Additionally, the paint scheme on the MTH's is Amtrak's Phase III like the Williams set vs the older unidentified engine's Phase I.
The tracks and transformer have not even arrived yet, but during the course of reading and researching I learned all about the new digital tech effects in modern model trains (very cool). Well, long story shorter...I was hooked just reading about and watching videos of them.
I decided to purchase an MTH Starter set, 2012 Norfolk Southern SD70ACe Diesel Freight Set with Proto Sound 3.0, diving right in! I've done lots of reading in the last week, but still have some questions as I start out in this hobby.
1. I understand I cannot use the DCSRC to run the conventional engines, and learned about the DCS Book resource (will probably be getting a copy of that). For now can I hook up both transformers to the same track layout not using any DCS & Conventional engines on the track at the same time, but with both controllers/transformers plugged in & thottled down, then switch between engines and transformers? Would it be better to start with or maintain two separate layouts?
2. Reading about DCSRC, I understand it only accesses some functions. Are there additional functions even on the MTH PS 3.0 starter set engine that won't be accesible without a full fledged DCS system?
3. This one feels like kind of a dumb question, but regarding the MTH '70 Amtrak passenger cars, they say they require 042 curves. Is it impossible to run them on 031's, maybe at slow speeds, or is it just not wise?
4. What general advice or tips might you give someone just starting out in the hobby?
Again sorry this is so long for a first post, but ask that you please bear with me as I have just learned most of this terminology and info in the past week. Thanks for having me! I feel like I've already learned alot just by reading and researching the forum for such a short time, but realize I've still got lots to learn.
Robert
