Please explain TMCC benifits for "conventional" trains

[Joe Hohmann]

I assume TMCC lets you run them via a hand-held controller, and that it allows you to add TMCC trains in the future...but other than that, what are the benifits? To me, it would be nice to have the constant voltage, so my passenger cars were always well-lit...but I don't think it works that way while in "conventional" mode. Thanks. Joe

[otftch]

I run five tracks in conventional mode.I find it much easier to use one controller (cab 1) to do this rather than dealing with five diffrent controls.I can also walk around while running my trains.All of my power sources are under the table thus leaving more space for trains.Having various grades I like the brake feature which alows me to slow down when needed.I don't know if you know it but once you set the train on track one to the desired speed it will stay there when you go to track two or three,etc. I run long trains so the lower end speeds are realistic and I think the cab 1 gives a finer control than with other transformers.It is quite an investment but I think the results are worth it,although your lighting problem is valid..

                                                                                                        Ed

[ChiefEagles]

I run five tracks in conventional mode.I find it much easier to use one controller (cab 1) to do this rather than dealing with five diffrent controls.I can also walk around while running my trains.All of my power sources are under the table thus leaving more space for trains.Having various grades I like the brake feature which alows me to slow down when needed.I don't know if you know it but once you set the train on track one to the desired speed it will stay there when you go to track two or three,etc. I run long trains so the lower end speeds are realistic and I think the cab 1 gives a finer control than with other transformers.It is quite an investment but I think the results are worth it,although your lighting problem is valid..

                                                                                                        Ed

Agree.  The Cab1 brake and boost buttons let you move the voltage up or down one "knotch" with each push.  Really can "fine tune" speeds.  The Post War whistles seem to blow better with Cab 1.  You also have the Alt 1 and then 0 to kill power.  Lots of Alt 1 and numbered buttons to make features.  I also have DCS [recommend buying both systems for the future if running commmand] and it and its remote does not work as good with conventionals as TMCC.  Adding a TPC to the TMCC Command Base was well worth the investment.

[chuck]

CAB-1 puts out a sustained whistle pulse which is great for PW whistles but very hard to program PS-1 loco's.   The  TPC is capable of  lower starting voltages and finer speed step control than the DCS variable channel outputs.  If  a TPC is configured as an ENG, you SHOULD be able to control it from DCS.  The main issue appears to be the communications cable.  DCS to TMCC comm cable does not allow for serial line communications between the TMCC Command Base and the IC Control's serial communications devices.

[ChiefEagles]

Chuck, being hard on PS-1 boards fits me fine.  I convert all my PS1's to TMCC and Railsounds.  A lot better.  In fact, you can pick upsome cheap PS1's, convert them with Equalizer or complete TMCC and Railsounds and come out cheaper than a new PS2 or TMCC. 

[mpzpw3]

I stayed with "traditional" power for a long time. This spring I found a Santa Fe warhorse set that I had to have. Because I have been working a lot of overtime, decided to purchase a cab-1 and comand base, so I could run the warhorse set in command. I liked using the remote, and decided to go the whole way with a new zw transformer. The warhorse set is my only comand control engine, everything else is conventional.

To add to the previously posted statements, it just seems to control the engines better (Williams in particular). I used to have a hard time finding that "perfect speed" for some engines. Now I have found that I can use the cab-1 and the transformer to "fine tune" the engine. With the new zw I can run 4 loops all through the transformer, without the need for TPC's. Another nice thing with the system, is 720 watts of power, which can be used with command control, or conventional.

I'm pretty happy with TMCC all around. Nice to know that for under $200.00 I can upgrade any engine to TMCC and railsounds if I chose too. Seems like a lot of money, but as a last resort for some engines (read proto-1), not really that bad. Nice to know I can also operate any AC powered engine from the past and present, with a hand-held remote that has a lot more features, even in conventional operation, than just a throttle and whistle button.

[twaldie]

Chief,

Just wondering what company you get your TMCC/Railsounds upgrades kits from, and do you do them yourself?

Thanks.

Tim

[Anonymous]

So if I understand this correctly, can I run post war engines with TMCC without any pricy upgrades to the engines?  Are there any restrictions as to which engines can be run using TMCC? 

Larry

[chuck]

You can use a CAB-1/Command Base and a new ZW or TPC's to control conventional engines.  This allows for walk around throttle capability and finer control of conventional engines BUT you are still varying voltage to a block of track.  ALL engines in that block will be seeing the same track voltage, reverse commands and bell/whistle pulses.  True Command Control allows you to select a particualr engine and control it completely independant of any other engine on the the same block/track/layout.

[msacco]

I also run conventionally with a new zw and a cab1. No comparison for me. If you like running conventionally you will love the finer control that the CAb-1 gives. And yes, the whislte button work very well with postwar engines. I really never use the handles on my new zw. I just push them forward all the way to set them at max voltage and use the walkaround controls of the CAb1. A neat thing with the new zw is that you can set the handles at maybe three quarters of the way and limit the top end speed from the cab1. Great for kids operating.!

   Mike S.

[Buckeye Riveter]

Great for kids operating.!

  

Kids love the CAB-1. 

Some great comments concerning the CAB-1 and TMCC.  The Chief just let you folks in on a secret. I have converted Williams to TMCC and it is very easy and with an hours worth of work, you save $$$$.

 

[laz 57]

I stayed with "traditional" power for a long time. This spring I found a Santa Fe warhorse set that I had to have. Because I have been working a lot of overtime, decided to purchase a cab-1 and comand base, so I could run the warhorse set in command. I liked using the remote, and decided to go the whole way with a new zw transformer. The warhorse set is my only comand control engine, everything else is conventional.

To add to the previously posted statements, it just seems to control the engines better (Williams in particular). I used to have a hard time finding that "perfect speed" for some engines. Now I have found that I can use the cab-1 and the transformer to "fine tune" the engine. With the new zw I can run 4 loops all through the transformer, without the need for TPC's. Another nice thing with the system, is 720 watts of power, which can be used with command control, or conventional.

I'm pretty happy with TMCC all around. Nice to know that for under $200.00 I can upgrade any engine to TMCC and railsounds if I chose too. Seems like a lot of money, but as a last resort for some engines (read proto-1), not really that bad. Nice to know I can also operate any AC powered engine from the past and present, with a hand-held remote that has a lot more features, even in conventional operation, than just a throttle and whistle button.

As MPZW3 wrote the newer ZWs with the 180 watt bricks can run all your engines in conventional mode as well as all your MTHs either the PS1 or Ps2s.  I have done this buy punching in TR 1,2,3,or4 and what that does is give you the direct voltage to each track then adjust your voltage with the knob.  Nice and easy to run any engine made.

laz57

[Pennvalley]

With a Cab-1 running conventional engines, I can be right there with the engine when I uncouple or switch into a siding while the transformer is 14 ' away.

[ChiefEagles]

Chief,

Just wondering what company you get your TMCC/Railsounds upgrades kits from, and do you do them yourself?

Thanks.

Tim

Digital Dynamics.  TAS has them but higher priced.  I do not get the ones with EOB or Cruise as it is more $$$$$.  Digital Dynamics has the Equalizer board to convert PS1 to TMCC and re-use the sound board.  I've converted some older Lionel's with AC motors.  Converted two MPC's.  There are even electro couplers that can be installed.  Not hard.  DD even has teathers for installing in tenders or other shells.

[alentown]

I run five tracks in conventional mode.I find it much easier to use one controller (cab 1) to do this rather than dealing with five diffrent controls.I can also walk around while running my trains.All of my power sources are under the table thus leaving more space for trains.Having various grades I like the brake feature which alows me to slow down when needed.I don't know if you know it but once you set the train on track one to the desired speed it will stay there when you go to track two or three,etc. I run long trains so the lower end speeds are realistic and I think the cab 1 gives a finer control than with other transformers.It is quite an investment but I think the results are worth it,although your lighting problem is valid..

                                                                                                        Ed

I agree with otfitch's recommendation to use command control even if running conventional, particularly if you are running several trains at same time. However, I don't necessarily agree that it is 'quite an investment." Heck you can buy either TMCC or DCS systems for less than most deisels and much less than a single steamer. For any semi-serious layout runner I think command control is a no-brainer.

[csxt30]

I can't believe there's any such thing as a no-brainer for a semi-serious layout runner !! I'm wondering what a semi-serious layout runner is ! I don't think they would like that . If a person with any type layout or just a loop around their tree at Christmass wants command control they should get it ! It's supposed to be fun & seems to be to me ! You're only limited by your imagination the things command control can do ! 

Thanks, John 

[jimhaleyscomet]

O.K. I give in.  Thanks for all the information on upgrading to TMCC.  I just ordered two upgrades for my Beeps from electricrr.co for $65 each.  I did not add sound because I just pull a sound car and wanted to keep it simple.  I went with electricrr over digital dynamics because they advertise solderless installation.

FYI - if anyone is interested on mini mites (beeps, single motor low current draw units) by digital dynamics they have a sale on if you buy 6.

Jim H