RCS has the TX-24 which is a small proprietary cigarette pack sized transmitter that will allow one-hand operation with the ability to do the switching functions you need to do. There is no extended antenna to catch under someone's eyeglasses.

RCS makes ELITE ESC's. The long range TX-24 handheld transmitter permits operation of four run functions plus three manual sound triggers.  The TX-24 can also operate three different locos at the same time from one handpiece.

RCS is proud of the fact that our transmitter is fully compatible with earlier ESC's. Even the early ones can be upgraded with a new replaceable front cover plate.

RCS has always worked diligently to insure full backwards compatibility of all RCS products.

The transmitters have a rectangle on the front cover to allow noting locomotive identification.

You can only run as many trains as you have transmitters, no matter whose system you employ, as to date mind control of trains has not been perfected.

System separation is by addressable codes with 64 different codes available. As well, we have three distinct frequencies to separate out locomotives. From the first, RCS products have been able to MU similar locomotives on the same frequency from one transmitter.

RCS has always recommended one TX per loco. That doesn’t mean that you can only have one loco assigned to a particular TX handpiece. To the contrary, you can have as many as you wish.

All current RCS products are addressable from the transmitter without doing anything more to the locomotive than cycling the power OFF and then ON again to lock in the new address.

RCS ELITE ESC's provide control over speed and direction. The have one manual sound trigger & two automatic.  Directional lighting outputs are also built in.  Installation is by convenient screw terminals.  Can be used with most brands of sound systems.
The ELITE range contains ESC's designed specifically for Plug'n'Play installation in AristoCraft locos fitted with a P'n'P socket and the Bachmann K-27. The RCS PNP ESC's are rated at 3 amps.

Firstly you need to determine whether you want all the equipment on board the loco or tagging along in a trail car.

Each has advantages and disadvantages.

TRAIL CAR.
A trail car set up is by far the simplest method and has the advantage of much more room for the batteries and equipment. Plus, the receiver (RX) antenna can be mounted up high away from interference. Another advantage over an in the loco installation is, that, you can simply plug one trail car from loco to loco. With some steam outline locos the tender is big enough to carry everything and is after all, a sort of trail car. In a trail car, access to the battery pack is also much easier if you need to change the pack. If switching on and running is your thing then trail car installations are ideal.

The only real disadvantage is you have this "thing" always being lugged around behind the loco. That sure makes life difficult when switching. Also, having proper control of the loco lights and on board sound becomes a lot more complicated with a lot of wires running between the loco and the trail car.

Any of the RCS Battery R/C systems can be installed in a trail car. If the trains you intend to haul are heavy, naturally you will need to choose one of the higher volt/amp (va) rated systems.

There are specialised INSTALLATION KITS available for trail car systems. 

ON BOARD.
Installing everything in the loco allows for far more operating flexibility. R/C equipment and battery technology is so advanced nowadays it is possible to fit RCS systems inside many "0" scale locos and even some "0n3" rolling stock.

NiCd and NiMh battery capacity is well over double what it was, even just 5 years ago, meaning long run times can be achieved without the need to keep changing battery packs. A very simple circuit is also available that allows the operator to plug in auxiliary batteries when running on the mainline and save the on board set for switching & light engine running.

Interfacing with sound systems is greatly simplified, as is wiring constant brightness lighting to remain on when stationary, and automatically change direction.

No more lugging a trail car around. Switching becomes a breeze.

The trade off is generally a more difficult installation as most locos have to be dismantled. This may be a daunting task for a novice. Creativity in antenna placement may be required as it must be kept as far as possible from any potential interference. As with the BELTROL range, there are specialised INSTALLATION KITS available for RCS on board systems. 

RCS suggests potential battery R/C converts read up on the subject at LS Internet forums.

RCS also has published a number of HOW TO articles at various LS websites. These are listed with convenient clickable links elsewhere on the site.

RCS also makes RCS TRACKSIDE R/C control units for Large Scale trains. These are 10 amp units (150 VA), are fully filtered linear DC output and are safe to use with any locos. Including DCC decoder equipped locos, which often do not like PWM control. They are sold both uncased and cased, with both models being fan cooled. The uncased TITAN-10 can be readily used with batteries in a trail car installation.

All the RCS Electronic speed controllers are now compatible with Phoenix sound as well as LGB, Dallee, SIERRA and MyLoco Sound sound systems.

RCS strongly recommends readers also visit the various Large Scale forums where additional information is available such as this Blog at MLS

GLOSSARY. 
Here is a brief glossary of abbreviations used by this and other websites when referring to radio control equipment. We would appreciate feedback as to abbreviations we may have left out.