TMCC, Legacy, DCS, Lionchief, Cab-1, 1L, 2, & 3 - Part 2! Includes MTH specific systems.

EDIT- 4-8-23: Just to be clear as someone pointed out it may be confusing. At timestamp 12:49 I talk about the DCS Remote Commander. It has the same limitation as the DCS Commander unit, in which it can ONLY control PS 2.0 engines that have 3v boards and NOT 5v boards. So important to know your MTH PS 2.0 engines. E-mail me if you would like a list of PS 2.0 5v engines.
Ok, here it is! Part 2 of the Control systems, but this time on the MTH side of the house. if you haven't seen Part 1, start with that one to see everything in chronological order.
Parts 1 & 2 give comprehensive explanations in chronological order of every O Gauge control system released to date from Lionel & MTH.
Wondering how to decide what to buy? It is in here.
This video was an incredible amount of work for just the first half which covers all the Lionel systems.
The second half will cover the MTH system and include a final summary of the 2 systems interoperability and a summary of all the systems and what they can and cannot do.
I'm tired just reading this! HAHA.
Don't forget: Use my affiliate link to go to the Trainz website to support my Channel www.trainz.com/seanstraindepot
Use this coupon code at checkout to get 10.00 off an order of 50.00 or more on the Trainz website.
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[@Goat67]

I'm in deep for my grandchildren. Building my first layout, and this is VERY helpful. Thank you, Sir!

[@azslotracer]

My original battery in my daylight starter set failed after 3 years causing the boards to short out. The dealer wanted almost more than I originally paid for the complete set to replace the boards. So I would suggest using a BCR just to protect your investment unless you have deep pockets and don't care. I have 3 PS2 engines and they all have bars. I even use them in my proto 1 engines. Great video on the mth products! I use my DCS with lionel 180 watt bricks a d an adapter plug to run my layout. I run 2 tracks dcs and 2 tracks for my lionel postwar conventional engines and have no issues. You do a very good job explaining everything!

[@tomrogers5516]

Thanks for this 2nd complete overall review for the DCS control system, Sean. It helps a lot towards having a careful explanation on how use such a powerful system. Great information to make an informed choice of systems to serve your needs. Enjoyed both.

[@danlovgren2896]

So helpful. I’m just starting and this established a great base line of information.

[@fepatton]

Another great overview. I started several years ago with MTH locomotives and the TIU set. I found the documentation pretty confusing, although there is a third-party manual that's pretty good. I feel like in some ways you have to understand it already to start to understand it. 😂 I eventually wanted a Legacy locomotive and bought a 990 set to control it, and I like it a lot. The MTH system seems the most _flexible_ because you can run conventional without having to buy another piece of hardware like the Power Commander. OTOH, I'd rather use the Legacy remote for the Legacy engines because quilling horns are _so_ cool! I also have a couple of conventional engines I really like, but I tend not to run those at the same time as the command-based ones. The MTH manual makes it sound like you can easily run conventional and PS2/3 engines on the same track at the same time, but I haven't found that to be practical. I wish there was a DCC-like way of upgrading those conventional engines easily! (Been there with a PS2 upgrade kit and will never try that again.) Totally agree with you about streamlining of control systems. I will likely buy the Base3 and will use the Cab2 with it. Not sure about upgrading the DCS system. It will depend on MTH introducing something _really_ compelling in a locomotive that needs a new controller.

[@therosejewelrailroad489]

Thanks for covering all this Sean. For me personally. I currently don’t have any command system on my layout other then Lionchief. So when the base3 I have preordered arrives it will be a welcomed addition to my layout. I used to work in a industry that went away from handheld units to using phones or tablets. So I have first hand experience as to why this is happening across the board. I hope to share some of my experiences when I do my base 3 video. Again your videos are very well done.

[@vectorservice9988]

Building my first layout, and this is VERY helpful. Thank you, sir!

[@keithwood638]

Thank you so much I know that was a lot of work. I have both systems but I have to learn the Legacy system more

[@keithwood638]

I will be upgrading my Lionel TMCC 2 Legacy. I agree with your approach to running Legacy separate from running DCs

[@jeffbabitt9173]

Sean, Thank you for putting this together! This information was extremely helpful and answered so many questions for me. Keep up the great work and keep the videos coming.

[@nascarhyde]

Great video! Thanks for taking the time do make this very informative video!

[@gary5326]

Excellent videos on the control systems available. Thank you for producing these videos. I have four of the original TIU’s, not revL. Three of the four no longer work and it is a matter of time before the fourth one stops working. The problem is nine blinks instead of one or two. Supposedly, they are not repairable. I hope the new WTIU’s are more reliable and they are released soon.

[@72blazer48]

Thanks for great overview, super nice of you to do this in simple terms, very understandable! Learned a lot as a Legacy operator.

[@jamesryan9634]

I know it's already been said, but great informative explanations. I've been trying to put these pieces together in my head for a long while, this was super helpful and will re-watch. Thanks!

[@tonyarsenault4256]

DCS Explorer is nice little system ! It’s something that I may try ! Eric trains did a little review a few year back on the Explorer.

[@rogerholleran4930]

great job

[@DJE2025]

👍👍Sean. great conclusion video! Well done easy to understand, extremely informative. Thank you! 🚂🚂

[@virgildobeck9865]

Great video I learned a lot. Keep up the good work.

[@rfhall2d]

Sean, Thank you for all this information. I use both MTH DCS and Lionel TMCC

[@chrisricciardi1566]

again...this is great...thank you!

[@bigmacland]

Thanks for taking the time to put together this series. It was very helpful. For those looking at the DCS Explorer, which brick do you think is best for a simple Christmas tree circle track or a smaller layout? TY

[@seanstraindepot]

Z-500 or Z-750 works, Z-750 gives you 75 watts. Just depends on how many trains you would run at the same time. Always nice to have a little extra power.

[@tonyarsenault4256]

Z-1000 will also work for just little more power at 100 watts

[@JC-xf5jc]

This was a great well explained vid… thankyou Sean.

[@keithwood638]

Thanks a bunch Sean.

[@kevinmacdowell1722]

Good stuff Sean, great video, thanks for doing this!

[@paulwalkowiak1182]

Sean I have mostly conventional type of locomotives. I do have MTH 2/3 and some Lionel TMCC loco's. What system can you use to operate all 3? I'd hate to shelf all or some of these beauties

[@thefitz101]

I’m waiting on the base 3 and WTIU can’t wait both have been on preorder for over a year

[@seanstraindepot]

Me too!

[@Bigboy4018]

Am I correct in assuming that when it is released, the BLU-TOOTH tab on the CAB-3 will replace/supersede the LION CHIEF app?

[@seanstraindepot]

Correct and it will have more functions, like being able to control multiple Lione Chief simultaneously and other functions. Lionel have been releasing videos on it in advance of its release next spring. They just did a really good one with the Legacy Users Group. Check it out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ronHYXujr7eDsNU

[@tonyarsenault4256]

I believe eventually all DCS systems will ditch the remotes and will be all downloaded App to your device.

[@JC-xf5jc]

As far as the Proto2 I may be wrong, but I also believe that only Proto2 3volt systems work with the DCS remote commander?

[@seanstraindepot]

You are correct! This is one of the problems with making a huge video like this! It's impossible to correct it without deleting and reposting. I will put a big note in the text. Thanks for the catch!

[@grenvilledorego194]

Hi Sean, i know lionel has discontinued #990 LEGACY COMMAND SET. i am planning to have atleast 5 switches on my layout. kindly advise me which remote can i be able to control all the switches. Many Thanks Grenville

[@seanstraindepot]

What switches will you be using? Fastrack? Command or just Remote?

[@grenvilledorego194]

@@seanstraindepot to start of I will go with the Manual switch. I am not sure how this works. If it does not work with the fastrack manual switch then i would go for fastrack O36 Remote/Command Switch - Left Hand for eg.

[@seanstraindepot]

@@grenvilledorego194 Yes if using Fastrack, you would need a Fastrack Command Switch. Then you would need a Command System to control it. If you use the Legacy System, then the Command system will talk directly to the Command Switch (after you program it). No wiring or other modules needed. Even though they discontinued the 990 system, you can still get them on the secondary market like e-Bay or the OGR Forum, or Facebook Groups of people selling them. Yes, the prices are marked up really high, but Lionel is giving a lifetime warranty on them and if something goes wrong you can send it in to be fixed. The other option is you could wait until the Base3 comes out at the end of this year (current estimate). Then that would be the replacement for the 990 Base, and you could control the switches with that. If you also want a physical remote, you can buy the CAB-1L to go with the Base 3 or you can just use the CAB-3 App. While you wait to get a command system, you can still buy the switches because they come with a wired remote control switch you can use. The switches are both Remote and Command in one now. Hope that helps.

[@cathrynm]

Oh, we have like 1 PS2 -- everything else is TMCC or PS1. Maybe that DCS remote commander would be for us.

[@seanstraindepot]

Yes, it would be a very inexpensive and easy way to control your PS2 and have 9 main functions.

[@kensbackshop6399]

Awesome

[@fredashay]

I'm watching your video because I have a mix of Lionel and MTH trains on my layout but I can only run one brand of trains at a time because they each use their own proprietary control systems. I really want to be able to run Lionel trans and MTH trains together, like I can do with HO trains that all use standard DCC protocols.

[@seanstraindepot]

You absolutely can run both at the same time! Depending on your systems you have you now, you just need to add some special cables and or modules. You could have 1 person with a Lionel remote and one with an MTH remote running trains on same track if you wanted. Check out MTH's website, they have a lot of information in addition to the DCS companion manual which is worth every penny.

[@cstoia]

The issue with MTH batteries in PS1 and PS2 engines isn't about MTH batteries being bad or some myth. Many of us don't want to keep or monitor an engine batteries charge. With a BCR you don't have to worry about the charge on your engine battery. I think you missed the mark on what BCR's are all about.

[@seanstraindepot]

Just my opinion they aren’t necessary if trying to save some money. Most reasons I see posted aren’t about charge but supposed issues.

[@kevinmacdowell1722]

I make my own 3v BCR for $2.25 with a 5.5V 1.5F Super Cap, the old leads off the PS2 battery and some heat shrink tubing, they work great!

[@libbymartin4751]

For some reason there are no closed captions for this video.

[@seanstraindepot]

Not sure how that works on KZbin sorry. Maybe it takes a while to process?

[@tonyarsenault4256]

Tap your device screen and at the top right corner you will see CC ! Tap to activate.