Power

[Anonymous]

I have the Lionel New York Central Freight set with the 80BW- 80 watt transformer. A friend has told me I can use the control portion of the transformer (the throttle , bell and whistle) with a 180 watt powermaster. I would like to buy a powermaster in hopes that someday I can join the Command world.

[eZAK]

minwin24,

I think there may be some confusion here.

A 'Powermaster' will only control the power to the track.
(via Cab-1)

A 'Powerhouse' will supply the rated power only.
(like a transformer)

In your case you would need the 'Powermaster'
(provided you have a Cab-1 w/ Command base)

For more info search their web site http://www.lionel.com/

[willpick]

Minwin, as eZAK noted, a "powermaster" is used in concert with a command set to control power to the track so you can run non-command engines.
A "Powerhouse is strictly a transformer- it puts out 18 volts at 10 amps maximum(or 180 watts). Your BW 80 throttle can only handle 80 watts. If you could connect a powerhouse to the BW 80, you may burn up the throttle if you draw more than 80 watts.
Go to the Lionel web site, there you will find information about command control vs. conventional. HTH

[Anonymous]

My mistake, I meant to say powerhouse. I'm glad you clarified the throttle issue. I would not want to burnout my throttle control. Thanks again for the replies. John