New Timer - Questions for Running Engines

Son

You are at the place, OGR forum.  Use the search feature and get all the information and answers you need.  You need to know what type of layout you like so it will take lots of reasearch.  You have to find out if you desire classical post war conventional controls trains that are made in the 1950 and inexpensive now or want the lastest remote controlled DCS at  hundreds or thousands dollars per engine with all the hi tech and anything inbetween.  The post war layouts use simpler electrial systems and wiring.  The DCS is higer tech and more like using your phone but at a cost.

Charlie

@TheWidowsSon posted:

I would like to create a very small circular layout and run the engines. The problem is that I don’t have any track nor a transformer. Also, the trains haven’t been run in probably 3.5/4 years.

what would be the best steps to take? What kind of track do I need to buy? Do I need to buy an MTH Z4000 transformer? I remember using this transformer as a child but I don’t have it anymore.

ive read that this new DCS system is something that I may be able to use from my phone but I have no idea where to even begin. I haven’t ran any trains since I was a kid and my dad was there to help me

all of the engines are MTH and some are from the early to mid 2000’s

Well, to your questions:

From the description, it sounds like the trains you have will run conventionally, relying on the transformer's throttle setting to vary the speed by varying the voltage, and control direction. If the trains were well maintained before they were stored, I don't think any pre-running maintenance should be needed after five years or so, at least to test them out, but a very light application of lubricant on the axles and bearings wouldn't hurt (test running will tell you pretty quickly if more is needed!)

To create a simple circular layout, you first need to select and purchase the track. I would first consider traditional 3-rail tubular track in O-27, of the type familiar to anyone who ran trains as a kid. Track of this type is inexpensive (a couple of bucks per section for new repro, as cheap as fifty cents per section used) and should serve you well. The other major option is Lionel FasTrack, which is more expensive (about five bucks per section new, a bit less used) and a bit noisy in operation, but has a simulation of ballast molded in and thus is a bit more realistic. If you plan to keep smallish postwar rolling stock, just about any radius track will do, but if you will want to run larger engines or cars, you may want to get larger radius track.

Unless you plan to run more than one engine at a time, most likely any used single-set transformer will do you just fine. You can usually find them for $20-50 or so at any local hobby store, or from on-line sellers (though shipping will up the cost!). Multi-throttle or larger transformers would be overkill for your plans IMHO, unless you definitely plan future expansion. If/when you do upgrade your transformer, the smaller transformer(s) can be repurposed for powering accessories or separate loops.

I run entirely conventional and PW, and do not have (and have not used) the more advanced control systems, so I will not attempt to guide you, other than to say that you will need to spend hundreds if not thousands to set up such a control system, and IMHO again that's massive overkill for an around-the-loop small layout. Yes, the speed and directional control will be better, and allow you to access any on-board sound and lighting option on your existing rolling stock *not* available running with conventional control, but be aware that that will be a deep rabbit hole to dive into, which you can (and IMHO should!) postpone until later, until after you decide to dive deeper into the hobby! When you do, be sure the control system will be compatible with your current equipment, or reconcile yourself to replacing all or part of your existing rolling stock.

In any event, good luck, and welcome to the hobby!

What is your geographic location?  Do you have access to train shows?

See this beginner's TIU (Track Interface Unit) controlled with your cell phone.  https://mthtrains.com/50-1035  These can be purchased now.  The Buy Sell sections on this forum would be a good place to find your track, operating system, and power supply (brick).

If you are going to run your Big Boy you will want to have 6' diam. curves in your loop.

MTH is releasing their new WTIU sometime this year, but it only supports the app unless you want to hardwire a DCS remote to the system with a phone cable (sold separately). The DCS App is better than the remote in my opinion. I would agree with @Susan Deats that the DCS Explorer is a good choice to get started with DCS on a small layout with a couple of locomotives.

The MTH Z1000 Brick is a good choice for getting started in DCS. All you would need is the Z1000 and the DCS Explorer. Plus, the Z1000 includes a 14VAC accessory output that can be used to power a few switches or accessories if you decide to expand the loop of track later on. MTH also has a Z1000 with both the brick and throttle together which would be great for running conventional locomotives or DCS locos in conventional mode (yes, you can do that; command mode is way better, though). For the DCS Explorer, you only need the Z1000 Brick.

As for track, I'm partial to Lionel Fastrack, but MTH has their Realtrax System, too. Tubular is cheap. It depends on if you are planning to do a floor layout or a table top layout. For a table top layout, I'd recommend Fastrack, Atlas, Ross, or Gargraves track. On the floor, Fastrack or Realtrax are better. A smart idea is to use the largest curves possible for your layout. I suggest at least O60 or O72. It depends on what locomotives you have and how big they are. It also depends on how much space you have. Another thing to think about is if you want to build a small permanent layout or a small temporary one.

Regarding the trains, you should inspect them for damage, rust, and dirt. Then clean and oil the wheels and axles on each locomotive and piece of rolling stock.