Thanks for the great videos. I am in the process of rebuilding my layout. I plan to also run a combination of Legacy, DCS and conventional. You have given me some great ideas!!
Thanks Rich! Depending on your track plan, you may not need as many blocks, or you may need more. :) I think that if I was 100% command control, I would not have needed as much separation.
I am impressed and also overwhelmed lol 😂 I knew when you put on the glasses that we were getting a course in layout configuration and electronics 101 and I had not bought my books yet for the class haha. I appreciate it though because I understood what you were trying to do and I definitely would need to figure it out if I am able to reconfigure my layout plans for a yard within my town. As always, you have made another quality video for us and your power station is so impressive...I just recently purchased a Lionel ZW-275 Watts for my layout. The Z-4000 by MTH are out of my budget at the moment because I have been purchasing buildings, scenery products and of course trains lol. I also love the feel of using the handle to give power to my temporary layout. I have a small layout at the moment and use a TMRC from the 70s to power my new to me Lionel San Francisco trolley. I look forward to your next video and I am enjoying your channel and your layout. You deserve the recognition that is coming your way and I see your channel exploding in due time. Thanks for allowing us to board your trains and see you around the bend...happy railroading sir!
Haha, thank you! This video was an interesting one to make since there is so much to discuss. With this hobby, it is easy to go down the rabbit hole on these systems. The ZW is great and glad you added one to your layout. I understand about having to prioritize the layout budget! So much goes into these projects. Thank you again for all of your support! Happy Railroading to You as well @Sas Entertainment!
I recently found your videos and they help me alot. My dad passed away in 2020 and had a life long love for trains that he taught me some of as a kid. His trains were then my trains because of the shared love. Like you i still call them dads trains. I haven't had the time yet to restart the layout but like you I will. Dads layout is HO and N scale some of your tips I feel I can put into. Ty for your videos.
So sorry to hear about your dad. It is so neat how trains can bring people together. I think it is the nostalgia and, for many, memories of family and friends. Glad to have you here at the channel and thank you for sharing!
I really enjoy your videos they are excellent and entertaining. I am glad you enjoy the hands on approach when running conventional locks because I do too. There is something satisfying about it. Also, I am always glad to see young men like you have an interest in model trains. Gives me hope for the future.
Thank you very much Steve! Really appreciate the comment. I think this Hobby has a bright future. Fun to celebrate the iconic trains of the past and to see what is around the corner!
Very nicely done. I presently have two Marx trains and one Lionel. The Allstate Marx us nice. Looking to get O54 curves for my O27 tracks. Not had much luck yet
Man, I have to hand it to you Chris. Outstanding!!!! Very informative and yet simply put for understanding. By the beginning of June I should be able to start finishing up a layout I started in Z gauge and my work room should be completed so I can move and store my collection and have my repair shop area as well. Then I plan to start my O gauge layout in the layout room. I hope you won’t mind if I use your layout as a guide. It’s one I think I would really enjoy running trains on. I’ll bestow the honor to you for wanting to copy it. 😀. Keep your kids involved. My boys aren’t that in to it but I hoping at least the oldest will take an interest when he comes over. The youngest is still in VA so he’s not that likely to be too involved. Take good care and thanks for an amazing layout update. Tim
Thank you Tim! Can't wait to see your O Gauge layout come together! And glad mine has provided some ideas for you to use. I am trying to keep my kids interested for as long as I can. They make it extra fun. You take care as well!
That was a great video and explanation. Thanks. I have the Frozen set as well, but for my wife- big Olaf fan! Have it running on the lighted track and looks great.
Summarizing: DCS and/or Lionel Legacy engines can be run anywhere on your layout as long as your "variable" power isolated sections are powered to 18V. Your conventional engines can run only on the isolated sections that are powered by the variable voltage output of the Z-4000 or ZW. Do I have that right? Oh. Just realized, perhaps ALL isolated sections are powered by variable voltage, which would allow you to run any engine anywhere as long as you didn't mix conventional and DCS/Legacy within the same isolated section.
Hi Chris - The latter part of your note is correct. ALL isolated sections are powered by variable voltage from the transformers which allows me to run any type of engine anywhere on the layout (as long I am not mixing command and conventional in the same area). This may have gotten confusing when I call out the channels that I use on the TIU. I noted the Variable and Fixed channels since MTH did not simply label the Channels 1-4. :) When I run the command engines, I usually set my transformers between 16-18V depending on the load.
Agreed on the mechanical controls. It’s the way to go when you can. The tech stuff (coming from a tech guy) is cool, but - you know. That frozen set is actually kind of sweet 😂, I had never seen it before.
Agreed! And yes, the Frozen set is really cool and sees more run time that just about any other train in the collection. With 3 daughters, that train is in high demand, lol
6:03 that's the closest real feel of operating a train, advancing the throttle and seeing the engine move. I started getting back into Lionel trains and I can't understand all this wireless stuff - TMCC, wifi, Comand Control, looks complicated. Is it?
I agree about the throttle! Command Control is not too difficult once you get it connected and working but there are a few nuances to it at first that take a bit of adjustment. I enjoy mixing both conventional and command so I would definitely recommend looking into both the Lionel and MTH systems. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for a couple of great videos. Just starting my big layout, and your description of your power and controls will be very helpful, since I plan to also run a combination of Legacy, DCS and conventional.
Nice layout my layout is 24 ft x 17 ft one end and 14 ft other end. Using Fastrack my question is what did. U use for sound proofing under the tack? I live in Oklahoma not any O scalers around here so don’t have any help Thanks Billy
Hi there. Your layout is amazing. Does one of your videos share the dimentions of the room and track plans with radius. I really like your design, the use of space, clean lines. Thanks for sharing.
Yea, me too. Takes me back to my child hood and the feeling of control. I guess. Lol. You and your dad have very nice layouts thanks for letting me in!!!
Your trains run well on the Fastrack. Are all the sections in a block wired/soldered together? Any suggestions for the best running Fastrack? I am currently constructing a semi-permanent layout using Fastrack. Thanks
Hi Carl, the sections within the blocks are wired together. I had to solder a few joints that were problematic but it was minimal. As far as the best running Fastrack, I find the larger curves work well and most pieces are consistent. Be careful with the small sections such as the 1-3/8” as the rails are sometimes uneven and have to be gently tapped with a brass hammer. Thanks for watching!
Newb here. How is such fine control achieved at those slow starting speeds? This is what I want, I've no interest in the jerky slow speed and lack of fine control on sets I have seen that don't look realistic in motion at all . Is it also down to the quality of the motors in the locomotives?
So if a train switched tracks, you would need to switch to a different remote quickly? Could you help me, I was thinking about switching from HO to O gauge. I have a similar layout plan like yours, but I don’t know how to doe multiple trains on the same connected track with switches. Ex. Are there 3 remotes for three tracks that are connected by switches and once a train crosses that switch, you move to another remote. Or do you have all remotes ON at all times and you use the train specific Bluetooth remotes. I know this is a complex question but I really hope you can answer, or anyone who knows.
I'm building a layout powered by a type zw transformer and it contains a lot of the older powered stuff like the horse loader and the automated milk car. It's confusing
Hi Chris, 👋 How are you Sir? I have a complicated question about your Control System Video. For example : Lets run your Conventional Texas Special Engine and your Command Control Blue Comet Set. Now as you said in the video using a switching track and a Crossover Track I believe it's the Blue Line am I right so far? When the Trains almost arrive at the Crossover Track the old way in running the Trains was to stop the Texas Special with the throttle Arm because it's the Conventional Train arriving just prior to crossing the Crossover Track allowing the Command Control Blue Comet to pass on through. My question is Can I place a Control Block Signal Stand in front of the Texas Special Engine Or on the other side of the Crossover Track with the Light on Red for the Texas Special Engine and the power throttle Arm is still on, but waiting for the light to turn Green? Does this make any sense at all? That's why I was hoping you would call me so I can explain my questions to you alot better than trying to type the question to you. So as I was saying : The Block Signal Stand Light is on Red for the Texas Special waiting for the signal to turn Green with the throttle arm still turned on. Can the Texas Special proceed crossing through the Crossover Track where the Blue Comet had just come through without touching the throttle Arm and going to the next Block Signal Stand to go on or wait again at the next Red Light with the power throttle arm still turned on? Now if I'm correct Can the Blue Comet be programmed to stop and go at the Block Signal Stand without touching the throttle? Chris I'm sorry to ask you questions like this I can't seem to find a Single Person to give me a straight answer so I don't buy anything that I will regret later. Thank you for your time Sincerely Allan Martinez
Apologize for commenting so late on your vid, but I thought inner main line was connected to fixed channel 2. How were you able to run the conventional locomotive on it? Maybe fixed doesn't mean fixed voltage? Could you help clarify?
Hi Thomas- The TIU stands for “track interface unit”. This is a control system manufactured by MTH Trains and it is the core of their DCS (Digital Command System). Lots of acronyms!
A friend of mine watches TH-cam but, doesn't have a channel. I've texted him info on your channel. Hopefully he'll tune in and check your channel out. He's been collecting for years and now that he's retired..perhaps he will be inspired to build and enjoy these collectables he's acquired over the years.
Hey Chris is there any particular reason you went with fast track and lionel switches? Vs gargraves and ross switches. My layout is 16x12 with 2 lift outs for the walkway. Running gargraves and ross switches. It's like ross & gargraves have more versatility then fast track. I was looking at both before I started another layout. I originally wanted atlas but it's very $$$ 😆
I had collected all of the Fastrack for a few years while I laid out the track on my carpeted floor. Since I had the track and switches, I decided just to use them for my layout. The cost to convert to another track system was expensive and I wanted to put that towards more engines. Great question! Thanks for watching!
@@RBPTrains same boat dad had 2 gargraves & lots of lionel tube track from yrs n yrs ago lol. So other options were still available. Didn't care for the old tube track and atlas to expensive so I went with gargraves & at the time gargraves switches. Then I switched over to ross switches one by one
Thanks Jose! You have great timing. I just released an overview video of Dad’s layout this week. If you go to my main channel page you should see it. Thanks for watching!
Would that be considered DC or DCC or does that not matter because it's three real I'm doing HL it's a different world similar with the blocks and everything but too real much more of a pain in the neck
God bless you bro three daughters you better start boxing you're going to be beating guys off of them in high school friend of mine same thing sorry Kelly can't come out sorry Tina can't come out sorry I don't even like you write down the line his daughters were upset but it was a tough time for him start practicing bro you're going to need it you're a better man than I am.
I'm building a layout powered by a type zw transformer and it contains a lot of the older powered stuff like the horse loader and the automated milk car. It's confusing
You have the "knack". You are good in front of a camera and speak clearly. You are going to do well.
Thank you Chris! Appreciate the note.
We have MTH Z-4000 thank goodness & love it!! Thanks for video btotherman! 😊👍👍
I don’t think this was boring, it was a great video. I love these types of videos most. Nice going!
Thanks Sean!
Thanks for the great videos. I am in the process of rebuilding my layout. I plan to also run a combination of Legacy, DCS and conventional. You have given me some great ideas!!
This is really cool Chris, I will have to go back and watch your other videos
Victor from New Jersey now you're on the business end of thanks with those spectacles I'm watching.
Wow. I'm getting ready to build, and I like your layout. I didn't realize how much it involves. I am impressed. Thank you.
Thanks Rich! Depending on your track plan, you may not need as many blocks, or you may need more. :) I think that if I was 100% command control, I would not have needed as much separation.
I am impressed and also overwhelmed lol 😂 I knew when you put on the glasses that we were getting a course in layout configuration and electronics 101 and I had not bought my books yet for the class haha.
I appreciate it though because I understood what you were trying to do and I definitely would need to figure it out if I am able to reconfigure my layout plans for a yard within my town.
As always, you have made another quality video for us and your power station is so impressive...I just recently purchased a Lionel ZW-275 Watts for my layout. The Z-4000 by MTH are out of my budget at the moment because I have been purchasing buildings, scenery products and of course trains lol. I also love the feel of using the handle to give power to my temporary layout. I have a small layout at the moment and use a TMRC from the 70s to power my new to me Lionel San Francisco trolley.
I look forward to your next video and I am enjoying your channel and your layout. You deserve the recognition that is coming your way and I see your channel exploding in due time. Thanks for allowing us to board your trains and see you around the bend...happy railroading sir!
Haha, thank you! This video was an interesting one to make since there is so much to discuss. With this hobby, it is easy to go down the rabbit hole on these systems. The ZW is great and glad you added one to your layout. I understand about having to prioritize the layout budget! So much goes into these projects. Thank you again for all of your support! Happy Railroading to You as well @Sas Entertainment!
I recently found your videos and they help me alot. My dad passed away in 2020 and had a life long love for trains that he taught me some of as a kid. His trains were then my trains because of the shared love. Like you i still call them dads trains. I haven't had the time yet to restart the layout but like you I will. Dads layout is HO and N scale some of your tips I feel I can put into. Ty for your videos.
So sorry to hear about your dad. It is so neat how trains can bring people together. I think it is the nostalgia and, for many, memories of family and friends. Glad to have you here at the channel and thank you for sharing!
I really enjoy your videos they are excellent and entertaining. I am glad you enjoy the hands on approach when running conventional locks because I do too. There is something satisfying about it. Also, I am always glad to see young men like you have an interest in model trains. Gives me hope for the future.
Thank you very much Steve! Really appreciate the comment. I think this Hobby has a bright future. Fun to celebrate the iconic trains of the past and to see what is around the corner!
Thanks for this informative video on power Chris. I am totally conventional now and my blocks don't work very well. This will help me.
Very nicely done. I presently have two Marx trains and one Lionel. The Allstate Marx us nice. Looking to get O54 curves for my O27 tracks. Not had much luck yet
Man, I have to hand it to you Chris. Outstanding!!!! Very informative and yet simply put for understanding. By the beginning of June I should be able to start finishing up a layout I started in Z gauge and my work room should be completed so I can move and store my collection and have my repair shop area as well. Then I plan to start my O gauge layout in the layout room. I hope you won’t mind if I use your layout as a guide. It’s one I think I would really enjoy running trains on. I’ll bestow the honor to you for wanting to copy it. 😀. Keep your kids involved. My boys aren’t that in to it but I hoping at least the oldest will take an interest when he comes over. The youngest is still in VA so he’s not that likely to be too involved. Take good care and thanks for an amazing layout update.
Tim
Thank you Tim! Can't wait to see your O Gauge layout come together! And glad mine has provided some ideas for you to use. I am trying to keep my kids interested for as long as I can. They make it extra fun. You take care as well!
Informative and interesting. Articulate and poised, great delivery. In short, well done. Thank you.
That was a great video and explanation. Thanks. I have the Frozen set as well, but for my wife- big Olaf fan! Have it running on the lighted track and looks great.
Thanks Steven! I need to pick up some of the lighted track. The set would look really cool on that track!
Such a good video! You need more subscribers! The video was so well done. I love having a good quality 3 rail o gauge TH-camr to watch finally.
Thanks for your support!
Now that is a masterpiece !! Another great video
Thank you! I think the animations really help to illustrate the breakdown of the different tracks and blocks.
Summarizing: DCS and/or Lionel Legacy engines can be run anywhere on your layout as long as your "variable" power isolated sections are powered to 18V. Your conventional engines can run only on the isolated sections that are powered by the variable voltage output of the Z-4000 or ZW. Do I have that right? Oh. Just realized, perhaps ALL isolated sections are powered by variable voltage, which would allow you to run any engine anywhere as long as you didn't mix conventional and DCS/Legacy within the same isolated section.
Hi Chris - The latter part of your note is correct. ALL isolated sections are powered by variable voltage from the transformers which allows me to run any type of engine anywhere on the layout (as long I am not mixing command and conventional in the same area). This may have gotten confusing when I call out the channels that I use on the TIU. I noted the Variable and Fixed channels since MTH did not simply label the Channels 1-4. :) When I run the command engines, I usually set my transformers between 16-18V depending on the load.
Agreed on the mechanical controls. It’s the way to go when you can. The tech stuff (coming from a tech guy) is cool, but - you know. That frozen set is actually kind of sweet 😂, I had never seen it before.
Agreed! And yes, the Frozen set is really cool and sees more run time that just about any other train in the collection. With 3 daughters, that train is in high demand, lol
Excellent; you are very articulate !
6:03 that's the closest real feel of operating a train, advancing the throttle and seeing the engine move. I started getting back into Lionel trains and I can't understand all this wireless stuff - TMCC, wifi, Comand Control, looks complicated. Is it?
I agree about the throttle! Command Control is not too difficult once you get it connected and working but there are a few nuances to it at first that take a bit of adjustment. I enjoy mixing both conventional and command so I would definitely recommend looking into both the Lionel and MTH systems. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for a couple of great videos. Just starting my big layout, and your description of your power and controls will be very helpful, since I plan to also run a combination of Legacy, DCS and conventional.
Excellent! Enjoy the build and thanks for watching. Sounds like you have some fun equipment to run!
This video helped me out a lot with my layout thank you.
Hi Chris can I get a track plan of your layout Looking good
Nice layout my layout is 24 ft x 17 ft one end and 14 ft other end. Using Fastrack my question is what did. U use for sound proofing under the tack? I live in Oklahoma not any O scalers around here so don’t have any help
Thanks Billy
Hi there. Your layout is amazing. Does one of your videos share the dimentions of the room and track plans with radius. I really like your design, the use of space, clean lines. Thanks for sharing.
Found it, thanks!!!
I agree about using the handle. Although my zw is mostly used for command. My r110 handle cells so right.
Just something about manual operation that I really enjoy. Thanks for watching Ron!
Yea, me too. Takes me back to my child hood and the feeling of control. I guess. Lol. You and your dad have very nice layouts thanks for letting me in!!!
You mentioned the 1 3/8 straight fastrack section, what does the wire in those specific sections get used for?
Love it. Have you done anything with AIU’s?
Your trains run well on the Fastrack. Are all the sections in a block wired/soldered together? Any suggestions for the best running Fastrack? I am currently constructing a semi-permanent layout using Fastrack. Thanks
Hi Carl, the sections within the blocks are wired together. I had to solder a few joints that were problematic but it was minimal. As far as the best running Fastrack, I find the larger curves work well and most pieces are consistent. Be careful with the small sections such as the 1-3/8” as the rails are sometimes uneven and have to be gently tapped with a brass hammer. Thanks for watching!
Newb here. How is such fine control achieved at those slow starting speeds? This is what I want, I've no interest in the jerky slow speed and lack of fine control on sets I have seen that don't look realistic in motion at all . Is it also down to the quality of the motors in the locomotives?
How do you do conventional and command on the same track with the tiu
Hi! Excelente work! I have a question, What CAD you use for drawing the layout? Thank You!
Thank you! I use Anyrail software to draw the layout. The animations in this video were actually created in Maya and rendered for this video.
So if a train switched tracks, you would need to switch to a different remote quickly? Could you help me, I was thinking about switching from HO to O gauge. I have a similar layout plan like yours, but I don’t know how to doe multiple trains on the same connected track with switches. Ex. Are there 3 remotes for three tracks that are connected by switches and once a train crosses that switch, you move to another remote. Or do you have all remotes ON at all times and you use the train specific Bluetooth remotes. I know this is a complex question but I really hope you can answer, or anyone who knows.
What do you use to turn each block section on and off?
I'm building a layout powered by a type zw transformer and it contains a lot of the older powered stuff like the horse loader and the automated milk car. It's confusing
Great videos! Do you use banana plugs for you Tiu? If so what brand of banana plugs do you use?
Thanks,
George - subscribed!
Hi Chris, 👋
How are you Sir? I have a complicated question about your Control System Video. For example : Lets run your Conventional Texas Special Engine and your Command Control Blue Comet Set. Now as you said in the video using a switching track and a Crossover Track I believe it's the Blue Line am I right so far?
When the Trains almost arrive at the Crossover Track the old way in running the Trains was to stop the Texas Special with the throttle Arm because it's the Conventional Train arriving just prior to crossing the Crossover Track allowing the Command Control Blue Comet to pass on through. My question is Can I place a Control Block Signal Stand in front of the Texas Special Engine Or on the other side of the Crossover Track with the Light on Red for the Texas Special Engine and the power throttle Arm is still on, but waiting for the light to turn Green? Does this make any sense at all? That's why I was hoping you would call me so I can explain my questions to you alot better than trying to type the question to you.
So as I was saying : The Block Signal Stand Light is on Red for the Texas Special waiting for the signal to turn Green with the throttle arm still turned on. Can the Texas Special proceed crossing through the Crossover Track where the Blue Comet had just come through without touching the throttle Arm and going to the next Block Signal Stand to go on or wait again at the next Red Light with the power throttle arm still turned on?
Now if I'm correct Can the Blue Comet be programmed to stop and go at the Block Signal Stand without touching the throttle?
Chris I'm sorry to ask you questions like this I can't seem to find a Single Person to give me a straight answer so I don't buy anything that I will regret later.
Thank you for your time
Sincerely
Allan Martinez
Apologize for commenting so late on your vid, but I thought inner main line was connected to fixed channel 2. How were you able to run the conventional locomotive on it?
Maybe fixed doesn't mean fixed voltage? Could you help clarify?
Great video!
Thank you! Meant to post it sooner but the weekend got away from me.
I'm kinda stuck I have lots of ho stuff but just bought a bunch of o scale so I don't no what layout to build I have obout the same size as you
Fascinating, but may I ask: What is a Teeay You?
Hi Thomas- The TIU stands for “track interface unit”. This is a control system manufactured by MTH Trains and it is the core of their DCS (Digital Command System). Lots of acronyms!
A friend of mine watches TH-cam but, doesn't have a channel. I've texted him info on your channel. Hopefully he'll tune in and check your channel out. He's been collecting for years and now that he's retired..perhaps he will be inspired to build and enjoy these collectables he's acquired over the years.
Hey Chris is there any particular reason you went with fast track and lionel switches? Vs gargraves and ross switches. My layout is 16x12 with 2 lift outs for the walkway. Running gargraves and ross switches. It's like ross & gargraves have more versatility then fast track. I was looking at both before I started another layout. I originally wanted atlas but it's very $$$ 😆
I had collected all of the Fastrack for a few years while I laid out the track on my carpeted floor. Since I had the track and switches, I decided just to use them for my layout. The cost to convert to another track system was expensive and I wanted to put that towards more engines. Great question! Thanks for watching!
@@RBPTrains same boat dad had 2 gargraves & lots of lionel tube track from yrs n yrs ago lol. So other options were still available. Didn't care for the old tube track and atlas to expensive so I went with gargraves & at the time gargraves switches. Then I switched over to ross switches one by one
I really enjoy your videos. Any chance you can do and overview of your dad's layout as well.
Thanks Jose! You have great timing. I just released an overview video of Dad’s layout this week. If you go to my main channel page you should see it. Thanks for watching!
I got lost 2 minutes in but that is my fault. I'm behind the times. Just now getting back into it all.
Would that be considered DC or DCC or does that not matter because it's three real I'm doing HL it's a different world similar with the blocks and everything but too real much more of a pain in the neck
It's like a slot machine you don't push the button you pull the one arm bandit
How did you make this virtual layout?
My brother is a 3D animator. He took my track plan and animated it for this video. I was lucky he had some spare time!
What is the overall size of your layout.
27' x 12'. Thanks for watching!
God bless you bro three daughters you better start boxing you're going to be beating guys off of them in high school friend of mine same thing sorry Kelly can't come out sorry Tina can't come out sorry I don't even like you write down the line his daughters were upset but it was a tough time for him start practicing bro you're going to need it you're a better man than I am.
I'm so lost. LoL
I'm building a layout powered by a type zw transformer and it contains a lot of the older powered stuff like the horse loader and the automated milk car. It's confusing