TMCC/Legacy/DCS Cross Compatibiity Questions Answered

[austrobb]

Would legacy also control atlas trains

[nukinfuts1000]

@austrobb yes

[DEATHWISHYT2]

If your running a power distribution block (terminal block) off of the tiu, where exactly does the wire get hooked up coming from the legacy base? The terminal block I'm using is just for power to the track. I'm running 2 lockons for power to one track ( large oval)

Thanks for any info

[esiegel76]

@DEATHWISHYT2 The legacy wire can be connected to the ground wire on the output side of the TIU.

[ELMSLines]

Ok, i am buying 2 or 3 Legacy engines, but will be buying tons or Proto 2 and 3's, i have the DCS, do you think i should also get Lionel's legacy controller to access all of the legacy features, like quill able whistle?

[esiegel76]

@ELMSLines I wouldn't buy a legacy engine without having the legacy system. You just miss out on too much cool stuff without it.

[Por2gesDiesel]

Eric - I have an MTH z4000 transformer, a TIU, and a DCS remote w/ base. I want to run my Legacy, TMCC, and DCS locos on the layout. I know this is possible because of your video. Can you please tell me what Lionel products I need in order to do this. Is it simply the Legacy remote and base or do I need anything else. Thanks so much.

[esiegel76]

@Por2gesDiesel If you want to run Legacy/TMCC engines on your layout, just get the Legacy command base and remote and hook it up to the output channel of the TIU. It's pretty simple.

[spartan0738]

Do you think if i bought a legacy bace (#990) that it would be able to power 75 feet of track in a loop, and good enough to run 2 of lionel's new ES44AC diesels without them dimming down?

[esiegel76]

@spartan0738 The Legacy base does not power the track. You need a transformer for that.

[SibTiyeye]

Dear Friend: I have a question, may I connect Lionel Legacy System in my layout to operating Legacy and TMCC Engines, and, in the same layout connect MTH DCS to operating MTH & Conventional Engines? I am thinking in connect both in my MTH Z-4000. I hope you can help me. Best regards from Mexico.

[vwbeetleowner]

Where can I get the mth dcs system?

[AmtrakFlorida]

@vwbeetleowner At a hobby store, you should call to check though.

[97trainman]

can you operate non legacy lionel trains with the legacy transformer?

[esiegel76]

@97trainman Yes. You can classic TMCC engines with it. You can also run conventional engines with it if you purchase some extra equipment.

[97trainman]

@esiegel76 what type of equipment?

[esiegel76]

@97trainman I'm not entirely sure as I do not run conventional engines on my layout.

[AmtrakFlorida]

@esiegel76 Simply a Powermaster, or TM 300 for controlling DCS engines in conventional mode (meaning you can carry out the horn-bell commands required to turn on PSA, speed control, etc.)

[nukinfuts1000]

@esiegel76 Im sorry, I didnt understand something. Can you quill the whistle/ horn on normal TMCC engines with the legacy remote?

[RailRide]

@nukinfuts1000

"Normal" TMCC units don't have the quillable whistle/horn feature. Only Legacy units let you do that.

[Trainmaster189]

In conventional transformer control, can you run 2 MTH engines on the same track? Can it damage both engines?

[esiegel76]

@Trainmaster189 Running two conventional engines on the same track won't damage the engines. The problem is that you have no control over each individual engine. Command control lets you control each engine seperately.

[railfan845]

can you addless controle proto 2 engins with legacy?

[esiegel76]

@railfan845 No. Legacy will only control Legacy and TMCC engines.

[MthRailFanatic]

I'm Just A Little Confused. If You Have Dcs And If You Have Legacy When You Hook Them Up Can You Still Use The Legacy Remote Even If You Have Dcs?

[esiegel76]

@MthRailFanatic Yes, you can.

[MthRailFanatic]

@esiegel76 Thanks!

[CSX8663]

@esiegel76 if i run TMCC locos, and buy the legacy system,i have to switch the legacy to TMCC setting right.?

[esiegel76]

@MthRailFanatic Right.

[Trainmaster189]

Eric, In conventional transformer powered layouts, do you know why I cannot mix Lionel locos with MTH transformers?

[esiegel76]

@Trainmaster189 I've never heard of that. You should be able to use Lionel trains with an MTH transformer without any issues. It's just a transformer.

[Trainmaster189]

When controlling Legacy locos with DCS, do you have to place 9V betteries when operating them?

[esiegel76]

@Trainmaster189 It's not required, but they recommend it so you don't have any interruption of sound if your engine goes over a dead spot on your layout.

[CookiesAndGuns95]

I thought you could run any MTH engine as long as it has Proto Sound 2.0.

And one more thing. Let's say you have both Legacy and MTH trains on the layout. But you use the remotes it's suitable for to control them. Are they going to interfere? Connection wise?

[esiegel76]

@CookiesAndGuns95 The MTH system will run any Proto-Sound 2.0 engine. No, they should not interfere.

[PMJCoasterDesign]

I have the legacy system and TMCC, but i run them through the ZW. If i were to buy the MTH system could i power it through the ZW or do I have to buy other power blocks?

Thanks

[esiegel76]

@PMJCoasterDesign you can use the ZW

[edhayes311]

I have the Legacy System, DCS system, and TMCC from previous years. Is having the TMCC base just a waste of space or does it offer any benefits. If it's not necessary I would probably just sell it or give it to a friend but it it offers anything I will keep it.

[esiegel76]

@edhayes311 If you've got legacy, you don't need the old TMCC command base.

[IVEMER]

Thanx for posting this.

I've been wondering if I can control my classic lionel with the legacy control i was gonna buy. At the same time, I was going to preorder the GE Evo Hybrid. My other lionel sets were also k line.

Btw, on the catalog, I saw they had #990 command set and expansion set. The command set is the base? if so, then the expansion set isnt really required?

[4202EJW]

What is that wire called that you hook up from the TIU to the lionel command base?

[esiegel76]

TIU/TMCC 6' Connector Cable

[4202EJW]

Thanks! Good, helpful video!

[tomprinceny]

any advantage to use the Z4000 and Is the transformer always on full Throttle? I have a new layout and was planing on wiring track blocks and dual train wiring do I have to do this with DCS.

[CSXAC4400CWno5112]

I have a Lionel layout, but am thinking about purchasing a DCS system. I have the classic TMCC system currently. Here's my question, do you know if you must have a MTH Z4000 to operate DCS, or can I keep the Lionel ZW transformer, and still connect the DCS system to it? Thanks for your help.

[esiegel76]

You don't have to have a Z4000, you can use almost any transformer.

[CSXAC4400CWno5112]

Ok thats what I thought, thanks for clearing it up!

[kevinad7]

how much is dcs?

[esiegel76]

The complete system run about $299.

[MTHTrainFanatic]

Two questions I still have are: Can you use that same cable for DCS to Legacy? And, How do you wire the TMCC base of the Legacy base to the TIU or the tracks? Nice demonstration and thanks for the info of controlling Legacy engines via DCS. I am going to pick up the TMCC base soon!

[esiegel76]

MTH sells a slightly different cable for the TIU-Legacy connection. The Legacy and/or TMCC base connects to the track via a single wire that goes to the outer rail.

[MTHTrainFanatic]

Could you show a video of running trains under Legacy (lionel)?

[vbkostur]

You are a great contributor to our hobby, Thank you!

[GEOMIMI89]

Thanks Eric, great video!!!

[colinroxanduknowit]

thx, helpful information

[jpaufsc]

I have a DCS system, but no power pack to plug in. Can I just use a spare pack to wire up to the TIU? If I can do that what voltage would I need? I also am confused on how to wire the TIU to the track because the manual isn't clear. Please help.

[Southerntreatment]

Very informative video- great job! Iam planning on getting DCS- can you run conventional trains-you can run them without being programmed into the system right?

[BTTF07KD]

You can run conventional engines with DCS, you just use the scroll wheel on the hand held to vary the track voltage, so no programming.

[Southerntreatment]

ok i figured that thanks lol

[Broncort1]

I was told explicitly that a MTH Z4000 cannot power a Legacy...so I bought a ZW on ebay. Until I see for myself why, I don't understand why MTH power bricks won't power up Legacy...still waiting on my Lionel "Hybrid" :-) . Very informative video...should answer alot of questions, Eric...thanks!

[esiegel76]

Do you mean that someone told you that a MTH Z4000 cannot be used to power a Legacy engine???? That's completely incorrect.

[Broncort1]

in a nutshell...yes. Like I said, until I start messing with my Legacy (still in the box), I won't know what they were talking about. Assuming they are wrong like your saying, my ZW can power accessories and the like...no biggie

[car3524]

thanx very very helpful