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Post by JKP on Aug 8, 2021 1:17:49 GMT
JKP Yes the basic remote will only run Legacy with LIMITED functions (basically as if were a TMMC Engine or Locomotive). BUT the MTH ADVANCED app will run it with 99% of the LEGACY Functions. This is how I run my Legacy Engines. I guess if you stated with the Legacy Remote the size and functions are easy to deal with. If you started with DCS you are use to a simpler remote and smaller. One of my biggest complaints is the loss of Legacy signal and having to run ground plane wires to compensate for it. DCS does not require that. Others complain about OUT OF RANGE with DCS, but I have only had that a couple times and it was usually something simple. I personally believe BOTH can and SHOULD live together. I am not one who BLEEDS one brand only. I prefer MTH. Why? Less expensive, Easier Operating system (for Me), no wheres near the failures and quality control seems a lot tighter, No Mis-color of the colors, and the biggest - Their heads haven't grown real huge to the point that they think I can afford everything and will accept anything they manufacture. AND YES I DO LIKE LIONEL and own several. Lionel does have a better quality sound (due to speaker size) but the last Berkshire from the 2020 MTH Catalog has a sound that definitely matches if not surpasses Lionel's. Keep it on the tracks Curtis I have a small layout -8x12 with a 2x8 extension, haven't had an issue with the Legacy signal, I agree Lionel has a color issue that happens way too often, while I only buy Lionel engines , I'll buy any other manufacture of rolling stock or accessories.
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Post by curtis on Aug 8, 2021 2:51:51 GMT
My layout is roughly 30 by 62. Since it is kinda a around the room somewhat, It loses signal when in the main room where there are several loops that elevate above or cross over each other. Found that ground plane wires help but are unsightly as they need to be above the track rails. So I don't run Lionel on elevated rails or ones that have congestion around them. DCS uses the track for signals BOTH ways where Legacy is one way via rail and the other by air. Also Bluetooth is NOT reliable once out of vision sight of controls. Found that out the hard way. SO NOT BLUETOOTH! Especially not in Mountains. LOL
Curtis
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Post by Country Joe on Aug 9, 2021 21:47:53 GMT
Curtis, you are not alone. I am an MTH DCS guy. Most of my engines are Railking though I have 2 Lionel LionChief Plus engines. My train room is 10'9" x 20'4" so I have no problem with the bluetooth signal. I don't have Legacy, TMCC or any way to run those engines other than conventionally or via bluetooth.
I prefer DCS because I find it much easier to use than Lionel's systems other than bluetooth, plus Legacy engines are way too big for my layout and ridiculously expensive IMHO. Railking offers high quality engines and rolling stock at reasonable prices, so it is my first choice when I'm looking to add something new to the layout.
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Post by curtis on Sept 12, 2021 20:38:10 GMT
Denny
Check out MTH Rail King as almost all of them will do 036 even the Challenger. Some of the Premiers will also do 036. Did you ever get DCS? I actually like it better for a couple reasons. Not sure what everyone is saying about wiring as I had no problems but do with Legacy and ground planes. I also like the remote better as I can use ONE hand and watch the trains without having to look at the remote. I run Conventional, DCS, TMCC, and Legacy. To run Legacy with 99% of the features on DCS you need the WiFi Unit and Premier app along with Legacy base and SER. I could use the Cab2 remote but that thing is so bulky and cumbersome. I just wish MTH would get better SPEAKERS. I like the sound files but they sound so cheap next to Lionel due to Lionel putting the speaker in an enclosure. My next to biggest disappointment with Legacy was in tunnels with several tracks on different levels it does not like that at all. My biggest is Lionel's Quality Control issues. Especially the COLOR MIS-MATCHES! I spend that much money I don't want problems or have to send it back because it does not match the color of the supposedly matching cars. Shame as I like some of the engines Lionel makes but just can not justify price for end results When they stopped doing warranty on everything a couple years ago because they were behind that took all the icing and cake for me. But I keep watching and hoping. I know that I will find something that I can get and it will at least live up to 90% of what they advertised.
Curtis
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Post by curtis on Sept 12, 2021 20:47:01 GMT
Country Joe
My signal problems with Lionel Legacy are mainly where I have multiple tracks on different levels. You have to install a ground plane wire to hopefully correct it. Also on my layout I sometimes find Bluetooth will not work on the tunnels at the far end of the layout unless I move to that end. Problem is I like to run trains sometimes and just sit and watch. It calms me down. Having to get up and move around is not what I had planned on when I am just sitting and drinking my 7Up and trying to relax. Don't be too hard on Lionel. They have had enough problems over the years from changing hands to poor product to Service problems even if in warranty. Hopefully everything will even out and we all can purchase whatever and run it with HUGE smiles and satisfaction. All the manufacturers have their ups and downs. Our main job is to try to have fun and promote the hobby even in bad times for them or us.
Curtis
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Post by curtis on Sept 12, 2021 20:50:43 GMT
LOL I just went back to read some of the older post and found I listed the wrong size for my layout. Duh! Sometimes I wonder why my head and hands can not communicate together. I don't like saying it is because of OLDER AGE! When I was 7, 30 was old. When I turned 50, 70 was old. Now 90 is OLDER!
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Post by Country Joe on Sept 13, 2021 17:56:33 GMT
LOL I just went back to read some of the older post and found I listed the wrong size for my layout. Duh! Sometimes I wonder why my head and hands can not communicate together. I don't like saying it is because of OLDER AGE! When I was 7, 30 was old. When I turned 50, 70 was old. Now 90 is OLDER!
I agree about age. I remember that as a teenager I thought that those over 30 were old fogies. As I got older my thinking changed pretty much like yours did. Now I'm over 70 and 90 doesn't seem that old.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2021 19:21:57 GMT
LOL I just went back to read some of the older post and found I listed the wrong size for my layout. Duh! Sometimes I wonder why my head and hands can not communicate together. I don't like saying it is because of OLDER AGE! When I was 7, 30 was old. When I turned 50, 70 was old. Now 90 is OLDER! So what size is your layout??? 
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Post by curtis on Sept 13, 2021 20:58:02 GMT
Picture it as sort of a T on it's side. The top of the T which is now the side is 27' x 14'. the Leg which now shoots off to the left side is 9' X 16'. That leaves me a little room for working and paint booth, Bench and Scenery Storage (about a 10' X 10' area, not included in T measurement). I have a Mainne Lift gate to get into the layout. Wife and I enjoy it immensely.
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Post by curtis on Sept 13, 2021 21:03:47 GMT
Main part of Layout id the T Top (which is now the right side)and has 4 loops all inter connecting with each other. The outer loop heads down the Leg of the T (left side) and has basically 4 tracks with TONS of sidings and a 32" turntable. I love doing switching and go to this side to pickup cars. I Do make the outer loop continue of the outer loop on the right side so I can run LONG trains.
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