Performance

Bill, I know little about the Legacy system, which I don't have. I have a few Legacy locomotives that I run using the LionChief Universal Remote, and am content doing that because I only care about the basic features: command control, horn, bell electrocouplers and announcements.

Most of my modern locomotives are MTH, I have the DCS remote set and love running my MTH PS2 and 3 locomotives on DCS. The DCS bible by Barry Boscowitz is invaluable.  The DCS remote set I have is no longer manufactured but I believe it's possible to purchase its main  components: TIU, hand held remote unit, etc., on the secondary market. Again, I only use its basic functions, but there's many more features, which I believe the Legacy system also has, if you are into that.

It was challenging for me to do the wiring to install the DCS system on my layout, but with Barry's book and a little help from my friends, I did it, and am very pleased. Arnold

One more thing: I often run an MTH PS 2 or 3 locomotive using DCS on one of my independently powered interconnected main lines, and at the same time run a Legacy locomotive using the LionChief Universal Remote on my other independently powered  interconnected main line.

So, I never run a Legacy and MTH PS 2 or 3 on the same track (too stressful for me), but I think there is a way to do that.

@Arnold D. Cribari posted:

So, I never run a Legacy and MTH PS 2 or 3 on the same track (too stressful for me), but I think there is a way to do that.

Just put them on the tracks and fire them up with their respective remotes, it's as simple as that.  I'm not talking about an MU, that's like juggling chain saws since you'd have to independently control them.   My mainline is 140 feet long, so there's plenty of separation between two or three trains running at the same time.

Bill,

I'm about 10-1, meaning 10 MTH locos for every 1 Lionel (or other), so my experience is heavily weighted in the DCS PS2 and 3 systems using iPads. I use a CAB1 base and hand-held remote for Lionel. If you take the plunge to DCS, I think you will find the app very intuitive, and yes, you can perform all of the functions of Question #1 and beyond. I bought an old $80 iPad on Craigs and it works perfectly. No need to spend huge $$$ on a device.

As aside, my brand new iPhone 14pro is horrible vs the iPhone 7 that I gave up.

As for Question # 2, I have run both systems many times on the same track, but as with "juggling chainsaws", as GRJohn aptly alluded to, you DO have to pay attention. It's not for the faint-of-heart.  While running together, I would set an MTH drag freight at a low speed and zip the Lionel back and forth as a local/switching while the MTH was slogging around the loop.

Hope this helps!!

Gentlemen, Thanks for weighing in on this issue. Purchasing an MTH system is costly and I just wanted to make sure I understood what I was getting. Many thanks.