October 27, 2026 — M.T.H. Electric Trains is retiring technical and service support for legacy DCS hardware, including the original Track Interface Unit (TIU), handheld remotes, and the legacy TIU Consumer Loader software.
Your equipment will continue to run your trains. This retirement only means that after nearly 25 years since their initial release, M.T.H. will no longer manufacture these items, release software/firmware updates, or provide customer support for them.
What Is (and Isn't) Changing
Still Fully Supported:
- DCS WTIU (Item 50-1039): Introduced in late 2024, the WTIU remains the active, fully supported hardware platform receiving ongoing updates and features.
- DCS WiFi Interface Unit / WIU (Item 50-1034): Ongoing support continues for operating layouts via the DCS App. (Note: Ongoing support continues for operating layouts via the DCS App. However, Super Mode will no longer be supported on the WIU due to performance limitations observed when communicating with modern mobile devices. All other WIU functionality will continue to be supported.)
Legacy Products Ending Support:
- 50-1001 DCS Remote Control System (Original TIU & Remote)
- 50-1002 & 50-1038 DCS Handheld Remotes
- 50-1003 DCS Track Interface Unit (Original TIU)
- 50-1011, 50-1012, 50-1013 Loco-Sound Remote Controllers & Lock-On
- 50-1029 DCS Command System
- 40-4001, 40-4002, 40-4003 Z-4000 Remote Commander Systems, Receivers & Remotes
- Legacy TIU Consumer Loader Program
Sound File & Chain File Loading (Next Steps)
For Legacy TIU Users:
The existing TIU Consumer Loader will still function on compatible computers to load sound and chain files into Proto-Sound locomotives using a TIU or TIU + WIU, but M.T.H. will no longer offer technical support or software updates for it.
New WTIU Consumer Loader:
A brand-new loader will be built directly into the Premium DCS Mobile App for WTIU users. The rollout for the new app loader is as follows:
- November 2026: Rollout to M.T.H. Authorized Service Centers.
- Early 2027: Public release to all DCS Mobile App users. Requirement: A DCS WTIU (Item 50-1039) is required. The legacy standalone WIU cannot load sound or chain files.
Replacement Parts & Support
Remaining replacement parts are available on a while-supplies-last basis at M.T.H. Parts & Sales:
M.T.H. thanks you for more than 20 years of running trains with original DCS hardware. For layout inquiries or service assistance, please contact your local M.T.H. Authorized Retailer or Service Center.