TMCC beginner questions

[rha90272]

I'm building a postwar Lionel layout with 23 switches, 13 control tracks, several accessories. I want to wire it up in the standard manner, so my grandkids can throw switches, push uncouple buttons, etc. But I may want to add TMCC later (for track and accessory control; I don't want to retrofit my old engines with TMCC).

My question is: If I add TMCC, can I still "turn it off" and run switches, control tracks, accessories manually from their individual controllers? I don't see on/off switches on the TMCC components, so how do you easily take it out of the loop when you want to run manually?

Second question: Mine is a pure Lionel '40s and '50s setup, so I'm biased toward Lionel TMCC. But is there a clearly better choice for wireless control?

[nblum]

TMCC will operate perfectly and independently of your conventionally wired layout. You can add remote control of accessories and switches as well if you want. If you don't use the cab-1, even your TMCC locomotives will work exactly the same way on your conventional layout as your older locos. There is no need for special wiring or anything other than having a good ground on the outlet you plug your TMCC commmand base power supply into. If you have wire mesh scenery or areas where track runs right above other track that can create signal problems, but these are fixable relatively simply and TMCC is largely bulletproof and simple to install and operate, one of its appeals.

The only other system out there is MTH's DCS which has many more features, but is less bulletproof and only necessary and desirable if you operate MTH PS2 locos. The wiring and other issues need a bit more attention, so if you're planning to install DCS consult someone with a bit of experience in this area, hopefully your local dealer or other hobbiests.

[ben10ben]

The TMCC components connect to your accesories the same was as the switch controllers do, and work the exact same way. It's very easy to hook both the standard pushbutton or other type of controller up as well as the TMCC control. It's then a simple matter to use either as you wish; no need to turn off the TMCC components or anything of the sort.

[Anonymous]

As Neil and Ben have indicated, you don't have to worry about problems with use of TMCC confilcting with conventional control. You wire up SC-2's or ASC's in parallel with the normal non command controllers. You would wire the TMCC components the same way you would multiple conventional controllers. This is covered in the SC-2 manual which you can download from Lionel's web site in the tech support area.

[Anonymous]

Question 2: If you want to run you Lionels that aren't TMCC equipped you can still do this with the hand held wireless controller. It works 2 ways. Conventional is what you want. It runs the trains just like the throttle on your transformer only you can walk around with it. The other way is the Command mode which is for TMCC equipped engines. I use mostly the conventional mode because not all my engines have TMCC but to walk around is nice.

[rha90272]

Amazingly complete and constructive answers! Thanks; this is one very fine forum!

[Anonymous]

If you want to control the conventional loco's with the CAB-1 you need to use power supplies that are TMCC capable. This includes PowerMasters (cheapest alternative and most problematic, they don't work well with some QSI base reverse units including PS-1), TPC's that work well but are meant for higher power requirements, and the new ZW. The latter is the only one that offers both traditional conventional operation from a console throttle AND walk around wireless control.