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Most of the HO modelers I know, which is not many, have DCC so I would expect they would run a DCS HO engine on DCC rather than invest in a new DCS control system. HO layouts would not have a Legacy system on them either.

With the multiple Power Districts and multiple reverse loops in the track plan with 5 automatic reverse loop controllers we had to install about 20 capacitors across the two rails to get the Legacy signal reliably on both rails around the entire 650' of track. As far as we can determine DCS has not been added to a layout such as this. I am working with a professional layout builder who has extensive experience with both Legacy and  DCS in 3 rail. Mine was the first complex 2 rail layout they built with Legacy plus the Lionel Control System, all their prior 2 rail layouts were DCC.

My point is there are known and tested best practices to make Legacy and DCS coexist in 3 rail, not in 2 rail at this time.

c.sam posted:

I asked a question on the 'DCS Users Group' thread from York - "Did anyone confront MTH with some of these concerns about the future of the company? What is happening with their HO product line?  Why only one new O gauge steam locomotive (L3 Mohawk ) since 2009? How about S gauge?"

Received sort of a rebuke saying that MTH is doing well and what 'problems' was I talking about. I like MTH products. Was a first-generation dealer back when I had a hobby shop many years ago. I just ran a set of their UP Alco PAs at a HO club today and they are terrific. The only HO diesels that have smoke to my knowledge and the fellas all admired the sounds and detail. Mike CAN do it, but why the delays?

Apparently MTH has invested ~$400K into the new wireless DCS app (according to Mike's TCA museum discussion). My guess is that has sucked up a lot of R&D budget from products. I wonder if Mike gets that the perception on the street is that MTH might be struggling a bit. I thought he would address that, but all he did was talk about the app.

AmFlyer posted:

Most of the HO modelers I know, which is not many, have DCC so I would expect they would run a DCS HO engine on DCC rather than invest in a new DCS control system. HO layouts would not have a Legacy system on them either.

With the multiple Power Districts and multiple reverse loops in the track plan with 5 automatic reverse loop controllers we had to install about 20 capacitors across the two rails to get the Legacy signal reliably on both rails around the entire 650' of track. As far as we can determine DCS has not been added to a layout such as this. I am working with a professional layout builder who has extensive experience with both Legacy and  DCS in 3 rail. Mine was the first complex 2 rail layout they built with Legacy plus the Lionel Control System, all their prior 2 rail layouts were DCC.

My point is there are known and tested best practices to make Legacy and DCS coexist in 3 rail, not in 2 rail at this time.

HI Tom (AmFlyer),

    I have two Gauge One Engines from MTH. They both run one on AC DCS System on 2 Rail track. The LGB engines are dc operated only so they won't operate with DCS.

    MTH HO trains Run on DCS Systems just the same as all the rest of their trains with PS-2 or PS-3. The only difference when running your DCC systems has to be connected through the TIU and you control those trains with the DCC controllers.

    The TMCC & Legacy Systems also have to be connected through the MTH TIU then to the track and operated by the TMCC & Legacy Controllers.

    From reading the MTH Interview in the S Gaugian all MTH engines are equipped the with a complete functioning Ps2 or Ps3 equipment and will operate with any of their controllers. Just the functions are limited by the controllers electronics as to the functions they can control. On the other hand, Lionel modifies the electronics in the engine and makes a controller to comply with that electronic system.

    I haven't worked with adding MTH system to my Lionel system but I am looking forward to it in the future. A challenge at best but with better understanding it will work with adjustments so all my trains can run together as one on the layout. This is unlike the Lionel system right now on my layout because I can't have the TMCC System too close to the Legacy System or I could have conflicting signals sent to engines and may lose control of them all. I will see when the time comes. Thank you for your comments.

 

Don

 

 " I have two Gauge One Engines from MTH. They both run one on AC DCS System on 2 Rail track. The LGB engines are dc operated only so they won't operate with DCS."

There is a way to run those LGB loco's on a DCS track...First power rails via variable output DC power supply and wire the TIU in passive mode. Power up and use the power supply to run the LGB loco's and DCS to operate the MTH stuff. Get's kinda hairy running conventional & DCS on same tracks but it does work...It'll keep you on your toes!  

Casey Jones2 posted:

 " I have two Gauge One Engines from MTH. They both run one on AC DCS System on 2 Rail track. The LGB engines are dc operated only so they won't operate with DCS."

There is a way to run those LGB loco's on a DCS track...First power rails via variable output DC power supply and wire the TIU in passive mode. Power up and use the power supply to run the LGB loco's and DCS to operate the MTH stuff. Get's kinda hairy running conventional & DCS on same tracks but it does work...It'll keep you on your toes!  

Casey Jones 2,

   Thank You very much for the information on wiring for my Gauge one and the LGB. Since My Gauge one's are a NYC Hudson and a UP Challenger I have to operate them on a large radius track. The LGB Mogul can operate on the smaller track radius I purchased with the set. So at this time I will operate them on separate tracks until I become braver to run them one the same track. 

Don

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