Introduction

[VinceL]

I just joined this forum and would like to introduce myself.

 

I haven't run any G scale trains for about 8 years.  Each year, I used to build a Christmas layout on the floor through as many rooms as my wife would let me.  We moved to a new house about 6 years ago.  I had a 2 story detached garage built, and the second floor is my train room.  It is 27' x 28'.  I had Mianne benchwork design a custom 2 level around-the-room layout.  The upper level is for G scale and the lower level is for O scale.  I have a few HO trains, and at some point I will put up a small table for running them.

 

In anticipation of having a permanent G scale layout, I have been acquiring quite a bit of G scale trains.  I have MTH, LGB, USA, Aristocraft, and even some Lionel G scale engines, rolling stock, and passenger cars.

 

Given my roster of engines, I plan to run DCS, MTS, and conventional.  I am trying to plan the most flexible wiring configuration to allow all 3 types of control.

 

Also, for O gauge, I will be running DCS, Lionel Legacy, and conventional.  I've got questions about how to configure the DCS between G scale and O gauge.

 

I do not have any MTH HO and don't plan to buy any.  So, at least I don't have to worry about HO DCS.   Of course, I do have one HO DCC engine.   So ultimately, I guess I'll be running every type of command control system.

 

I'll be posting lots of questions.  I apologize in advance for any stupid ones.  As I get things running, hopefully I'll be able to contribute answers to the forum.

[SteamPower4ever]

Welcome ... and fire away 

There are no stupid questions, only stupid answers. We've all been new to the hobby at some point in time.

 

Best regards

Jens

[markoles]

Welcome to the group!! There's a lot of guys doing DCS for control, and it looks pretty slick. 

[Rayman4449]

Welcome to the forum and will do what we can to help answer whatever questions you have.

[Chuck]

Hi 

[VinceL]

Thanks for all your welcomes. 

 

I've been working in the train room 2 or 3 hours each day for the past week.  Since it is a 2 level around-the-room layout, I have installed short sections of 2" PVC pipe on the back of the benchwork just below the top.  Being a retired IT guy who did a lot of networking, I am putting in long lengths of 1/4" poly rope through the PVC sections so that I can use it to drag wires to any location around the benchwork.  I'll have that work done tomorrow.  And, tomorrow it will be time to upgrade my DCS and Legacy systems.  I've got 3.1 in my 2 DCS remotes and TIU's.  Since 4.3 came out yesterday, I'll go ahead and upgrade to it.  My Legacy system is 1.2 and the latest version is 1.52.

 

Then it's time to start dragging power cables.  I plan to pull 12 gauge for the longer runs (25 to 40 feet) and 14 gauge for the shorter runs.  I'm using LGB brass track for G and Lionel Fastrack for O.  I have 2 Bridgewerks transformers and the LGB MTS power pack and control modules to cover my G gauge.  I'm using a Lionel modern ZW with 4 180 watt bricks plus an MRC Dual (270 watts) transformer for O gauge.