Multiple facet question

You can operate just about all of the engines that you describe in conventional mode using almost any transformer (there are a few exceptions) that has a throttle,and bell, whistle and direction buttons.

 

The DCS Remote Commander that accompanies MTH's current line of RTR sets will only operate MTH's PS2 and PS3 engines, one at at time.

No conventional option with that little remote?  What about the DCS Commander and conventional mode for all his stuff?

 

The DCS Commander is intended for HO trains. It will run conventional but only using DC voltage and only a maximum draw of 6 amps.

 

If you want to run everything in conventional mode, just do it with a plain old transformer. Just make sure that you use one with bell and whistle buttons.

 

Also, be aware that although MTH PS2/PS3 engines allow opening couplers remotely under conventional control, TMCC engines do not.

For some reason I was under the impression that I would lose station announcements on PS1 2 and 3 if I go with the plain Jane transformer that includes a direction, bell and whistle button.  For example, a Z1000. 

 

Am I wrong?

Yes, you are wrong.  

Is it a lot of lever moving to trigger them or is it simple?

It's all done with simple bell and whistle button presses.

Well I guess a z1000 it is then.  Thanks Barry.

Barry recommendation is spot on.

 

For PS-1 while moving you hold the bell button about 3sec until you hear the steam release.  That activates PFA.  Next press of direction button cycles through the sequence ( with each press of the direction button.

 

In neutral and high voltage pressing the whistle button arms the coupler.  Next press in any state (moving or not) fires the selected coupler.

 

For PS-2 look in the section on conventional operation.  Handful of combinations to fire either coupler, lock in or out direction or speed control.  Activate PFA, and with PS-3 now control a light feature or two. 

 

TMCC run fine, just no special control without TMCC/Legacy.  G

GGG,

Thanks to you and Barry.  For some reason I thought it was more complex.

TurtleLinz,

    I know you said you wanted the least expensive way to run, however least expensive IMO is not the most fun, save your money and purchase a full DCS unit.

Running all your different Trains with remote control is the coolest thing about our hobby.

PCRR/Dave

Dave, I concur but his layout is very small and DCS would be overkill.

I run a 4x8, it is not overkill for me.

I can respect that. But my buddy is up in years and is not to computer
savvy. He wants a bit simpler setup.

On Sun, Mar 22, 2015 at 11:25 AM, O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum <
alerts@hoop.la> wrote:

TurtleLine,

   I can sure understand that, give your buddy my best and if there is anything more we can do to help him out, please let us know.

PCRR/Dave

He is so over joyed to have a layout I think you could give him a tree
branch for a throttle. :-)

On Sun, Mar 22, 2015 at 11:28 PM, O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum <
alerts@hoop.la> wrote: