Train control

[Jack 304]

I have a control question for you guys, hope someone can help. Let me start by saying I know I'm a little late to the dance, but I always say "better late than never". I have a single mainline shelf layout and would like to add a wireless control system. I run conventional motive power by Lionel, K-Line and Williams. All my accessories are powered by a separate transformer, so I will be only operating the train on remote. Any ideas will be appreciated. Thanks for reading my post.    Jack.

[rtraincollector]

Jack actually its not that hard you need a controll system ( I use lionel's original TMCC) then you will need what is called a TPC they come in two sizes one good for up to 300 watts the other upto 400watts. the other way is to convert your engines to tmcc thru items offered by ERR ( Electric RailRoad) boxcar bill who is on this site sells them at a discount.

back to the original way if you get tmcc set up your looking at about $100 - $150 for that and about $175 for the TPC-300 now the original tmcc will run as many as you have TPC's you said you have a shelf layout so you need just one to run your engine up there. Now once you get tmcc you may find yourself buying a tmcc engine to run seeing you don't need the tpc for it, but will to run a conventional engine. 

trying to figure out how to add a couple of manuals for you that might help that can't find on lionel website anymore 

[dougdagrump]

Here's a link that is a pretty good tutorial on the operation and use of TMCC. Just click on the "Try TMCC" icon.

http://www.coilcouplers.com/

[ADCX Rob]

If you truly are staying conventional,  all you need is a CAB-1 remote and a PM-1 PowerMaster to connect between your current transformer and the track.  That's it!  No TPC's or Command Bases needed.

[rtraincollector]

I have fried more pm-1 by accident train derailments than whis to talk about. It don't take much I would not own another PM-1

[ADCX Rob]

That's an interesting anecdote, but there must be more to the story. 

I have about 20 PM-1's and have not had that problem.  After the first such failure, it would have been wise to install a TVS across each set of PM-1 binding posts, that should clamp any damaging transients and minimize such failures.

[rtraincollector]

ROB

I have tvs its just my luck I had a tmcc engine I was also running and it had a signal problem and it would go from normal to jet lightening befor you could do anything but had basically the same problem with a tpc and the tpc was fine went thru 2 PM-1's befor went to tpc now have neither as up until about a month ago all were tmcc engines now I have some conventional again and will be a while befor I switch them over. 

Also cab ones are selling for about the same price of a whole tmcc set up and if you go that far at least you have it when your ready to convert or buy some tmcc compatible engines.

Is there a way to do it thru DCS I don't know as don't have anything that is DCS never looked at it either just me. MTH has some nice rolling stock I have gotten ( basically passenger cars with interiors) but have stayed away from there power units as 1 control system is enough for me and I have tmcc at this point.