Hi all
Please read and help, i know it is long but it is my first email and i need this help so much PLEASE 
I hope i put this in the right place. i am kind of new to forums never had time to use computer for fun before.

Got injured and now stuck in wheel chair and had to close construction company. i loved to build home so now i have replaced that love with building  in a smaller scale 1/48 of what i was use to. now i am getting to the point of figuring out the wiring and control system for this layout. i have 35 turnouts and will have a lot of cool ad on like all kinds of lights and gates and anything else i can find or make so i am in need of some help figuring out what all i need to control all of this, i don't mean every piece of wire, i just want to know what is the best controller and what all accessory to it will i need. i think i have leaned toward legacy. but i would like to know what equipment i need to use MTH locos later. I have about a dozen or so postwar Lionel engines so i want to run the conventional. maybe one of them i will try to up grade and put board into it.

My room is 30 by 25 kind of an L shape for now with more room to grow.

Please help me with a list of everything i would need to have to be able to control all the old and all the new engines i will running. conventional and controlled plus what i need to run MTH if i buy some of those engines. please forgive me if i am not calling things correct. i am NEW and need you help. I have read everything i can on the internet for the last 2 weeks and they all say different things so i thought your group sounded like the best place to ask. one last Question am i making the right choice with going with legacy or should i go with MTH DCS. or both. Using Ross switches or self made ones. using tortoise switch controls. 0.148 3 rail o gauge. using .125 third rail, going to wire it so i can run my old engine conventional, but want my controller to do all the controlling, i read legacy does that with no problem.  what are all of your thoughts. I know this is long but this is the only thing i have not decide on. i think i am going to get both but start with legacy. so what all do i need to order. what all do i need I am sure there is a special box to run conventionally, just need some one to tell me what all i need and is there a special wiring harness or cable i need. thanks for all your help.
Tim E

thanks for all of your help.

I would recommend starting with the complete Legacy package with the ZW transformer for power with all interconnecting cables. That will allow you to run all the new and old conventional trains with one controller. Accessory controllers will need to be purchased if you wish to control your accessories via remote. http://www.electricrr.com/AcDcCommander.htm. has an upgrade board for older conventional locos if you wish to upgrade them to command control.

Larry

There are plenty of used transformers to be had out there. Unless you are willing to rebuild it, get a refurbished unit. For the bigger transformers such as KW and ZW, replacement power cords, rollers, whistle rectifiers and possibly circuit breakers should be looked into.

Larry

Glad to help you out, Tim.
First, for postwar Lionel servicing, the one stop site for service manuals is Oplsens.http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd1.htm. Exploded views and parts listings for locomotives, operating cars, transformers, switch tracks and accessories can be found there. Part numbers for most parts are on the diagrams. Olsens also sells parts, as well as The Train Tender http://www.ttender.com/partslist.html and Brasseurshttp://www.traindoctor.com/service/lionel/0to120.php. There are other parts dealers, but these are the most referenced.

Larry