TMCC AND FASTRACK

[Anonymous]

Once again, I admit I am a complete newbie and novice and appreciate everyone's help. It just seems like the more I read the more confused I become. What I really want from my set is the TMCC with switches, bridges, trestles, etc. Currently all of my cars and locos are conventional, but before I put the money into the TMCC and the TMCC equipped cars I need some help.

I understand that you must have the CAB-1 remote and the Command Base as these are essential. I currently have the CW-80 transformer. I also think I understand that you need a SC2 to remotely control switches. And I think that I understand that you need a powermaster to run non-TMCC equipped cars with the TMCC (this powermaster is what makes the conventional cars work with the remote, right?) What I don't understand is the following:

Operating Track Controller - Doe the tracks have to be remote control tracks or just standard track?

Operating Fastrack remote control - What is the difference between this and the uncoupling track? Are these tracks necessary if the powermaster makes conventional equipment work?

Accessory activator track - is this necessary to buy or will the TMCC activate the entire track?

Buying switches - do you have to buy remote control switches to work with TMCC or will the TMCC make manual switches work remotely? If you do buy remote switches, what do you do with the remote (leave in the box or hook up to another part of the TMCC base?)

On the fastrack remote couplers it says it has connectors for auxillary power - what does this mean?

Do you need to wire all of the 153C contactors to the track?

Finally, in regards to bridges and trestles, what size track do you normally purchase to make the increase in grade (i.e. what lenght is too long to use? Do you normally use short sections or can you use longer sections?

Thanks for any input - sorry the questions are so lengthy

[Anonymous]

Whew, quite a list.

Yes, you will need SC-2's o control accesories and switches remotely. The switches need to be remote control switches as well (aka some kind of switch motor). You can wire up the standard switch/accessory remote operating buttons in parallel with the connectors to the SC-2. Note: some switch machines (like the newer DZ's) have TMCC support built in.

Remote uncouplers and OTC tracks were designed for conventional use but can be wired in to work under TMCC. The OTC is the five rail track used to operate stuff like the cattle car. You will need to provide a power supply for these like you would if there wasn't any TMCC involved.

I don't know what you would do with contactors, you can substitute insulated track sections to perform the same function.

Powermasters are required to remotely vary the voltage to the track to run non TMCC locomotives. They don't play well with some QSI based products like MTH PS-1 locos. The new ZW can be configured to act like four powermasters and the TPC's can be used as ENG id's to vary track voltage. These play well with others but are more expensive.

Grades should be as gentle as possible, usually under 4%. This translates into a lot of realestate. A typical realistic grade for toy trains is about 18-20 feet of horizontal run to rise about 6" in elevation.

[dbaker48]

chan1855

I've recently returned from a 15 year train hiatius. And been totally overwhelmed with all the inovations and changes, including new manufacturers and suppliers. I had many of the same questions. I would reccomend the following;

If you can visit a train store that has both Lionel TMCC running, and also a store that has MTH DCS running.

Minimally, make sure you check out the stock from both companies!

I would also recomend picking up the $20 video that OGR puts out on MTH DCS system. (It covers some aspects of TMCC also). That will probably be the best $20 you spend.

I have purchased the TMCC system, (no regrets), and am ALSO going to get the DCS.

Best of luck, and MOST IMPORTANTLY ENJOY !!