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I am not sure what to do about train control this year.

Here is what I have:

1.  Lionel 2026

2.  Williams Steamer and diesel

3.  Menards new diesel

4.  MTH Railking subway set.

5.  MTH Bump n Go Trolley

So far I have opted to run everything conventional with a KW. 

The issue is the subway set.  I can get the sounds and station announcements with a conventional transformer using a combination of button presses, but I understand with DCS and a normal TIU it is much easier and running it is easier as well.

TIU's are in short supply and those who have used ones to sell are asking more money than I want to spend.

The DCS Explorer doesn't do station sounds so that is a non-starter.

1.  Is there something in DCS world I don't know about?

2.  My tendency is to wait and run conventional until something reasonable comes along if that is valid?

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If you see a deal on a TIU and Remote, or TIU and WIU (for iPad/Android control) buy it.

If you don't, the new WTIU (will built in Wi-Fi) will be available later this year.  With this model, you won't be able to use the DCS Remote, but you will be able to use the iPad/Android app over Wi-Fi with full DCS features.

@rplst8 posted:

If you see a deal on a TIU and Remote, or TIU and WIU (for iPad/Android control) buy it.

If you don't, the new WTIU (will built in Wi-Fi) will be available later this year.  With this model, you won't be able to use the DCS Remote, but you will be able to use the iPad/Android app over Wi-Fi with full DCS features.

The WTIU sounds like a good idea if it doesn't lack any features like the DCS Explorer does.  I run an N Gauge setup with a  phone / tablet and it's pretty neat.

Thanks,

John

@Craftech posted:

The WTIU sounds like a good idea if it doesn't lack any features like the DCS Explorer does.  I run an N Gauge setup with a  phone / tablet and it's pretty neat.

AFAIK, the only feature missing compared to the older TIUs is the 900 MHz transceiver which allowed wireless operation of the remote.

@Bob S posted:

Good Morning!

I have heard you can use the DCS remote with the new WTIU however, you need to be connected to the WTIU with the phone type cable.

Yes, I had forgotten about that.  Thanks for the reminder!

@Vinny26 posted:

You can run your subway set in auto mode using a MTH Z-1000 transformer.   I run three subways with them.  

Hi Vinny,

Can you elaborate?  How do you trigger the station announcements on the MTH Z-1000, like I do with the Lionel KW (combination of button presses)?   What do I gain over what I am doing now.  It's not clear to me.

Thanks,

John

With a Z-1000 throttle you power up the subway.   With power on press bell once and horn twice.   The subway with go into;  “auto mode”.  If you did it right it will announce it.   Press direction button and subway with start moving and automatically announce stations and passenger sounds.   It’s really very cool.    Your manual for the subway explains how to do it.

@Vinny26 posted:

With a Z-1000 throttle you power up the subway.   With power on press bell once and horn twice.   The subway with go into;  “auto mode”.  If you did it right it will announce it.   Press direction button and subway with start moving and automatically announce stations and passenger sounds.   It’s really very cool.    Your manual for the subway explains how to do it.

Thanks Vinny.  That is how I am doing it now only my KW doesn't have a horn button so I am using the Lionel add-on Sound Activation button.  The KW is dual throttle so I use one side for the subway. It is really cool.  It explains it all in the MTH Railking manual: CONVENTIONAL / ANALOG / AC OPERATION

The only thing I don't like is that it always starts with the speed control activated, but the manual says that is normal.   It seems too slow for me with four cars.  But that has nothing to do with the transformer.

John

Last edited by Craftech
@Craftech posted:
TIU's are in short supply and those who have used ones to sell are asking more money than I want to spend.

Just did a Google search for MTH 50-1003 and supposedly train-station ($229.99) and eandshobbies ($179.99) has them in stock.

I didn't try ordering one to verify they have them in stock (I already have one).

Might want to go to either website and order now!

Prices on eBay are stupidly high!

Also saw at least one website (don't remember which one - sorry) that had the remote and TIU as a set; not sure of availability though)

Last edited by paulp575
@paulp575 posted:

Just did a Google search for MTH 50-1003 and supposedly train-station ($229.99) and eandshobbies ($179.99) has them in stock.

I didn't try ordering one to verify they have them in stock (I already have one).

Might want to go to either website and order now!

Prices on eBay are stupidly high!

Also saw at least one website (don't remember which one - sorry) that had the remote and TIU as a set; not sure of availability though)

If you click on the first one, it says Sold Out.  The second one has no way to order online.  I have to call.  Their hours are Wed. 4-7, Fri 12-3:30, Sat 10-2.  They have no email contact info.

John

Last edited by Craftech
@Greg Houser posted:

Probably, but not necessarily.  There are more mom and pop operations that don't support online ordering than you would think.

-Greg

Totally agree with both of your statements.

Finding those mom and pop stores is the difficult part.

Do you need only the TIU or could you use a second remote? If so, look for MTH 50-1001 which includes the remote and the TIU.

This is from today's MTH Newsletter July 28, 2021

M.T.H. Parts and Sales LLC is one of M.T.H.'s three new spinoffs and will promote and process all parts sales exclusively through an all-new parts site. M.T.H. Electric Trains' R&D Division will continue developing DCS and other electronic products on its own in the satellite location it has occupied in Western Michigan for the past 24 years, while M.T.H. Electric Trains will be operating alongside the parts company in the smaller Elkridge, Maryland facility. The train company will continue to market and produce new model train products - including select RailKing and Premier O gauge models and occasional production of RailKing One Gauge G Scale models.

John

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