TMCC hookups for a real rookie

[quizshow904]

I bought a lot of this eqipment years ago and now am finally setting up my 8' x 12' o-guage layout. I plan to have 3 loops of track as well as sidings. As far as power, I have the following:

1ea Western Flyer transformer 350 watt twin control

1 ea Lionel command base 12911

2 ea PH-1 Powermaster 12867 (same frequency)

2 ea Powermaster 135 watt 12866

1 ea CAB-1

2 ea SC-1 switch and accessories controller

My basic question is-

Do I only need one PH-1 for my entire layout if I want to run 3 trains at one time on 3 different tracks?

I assume I can use one Powermaster for track 1 and 1 Powermaster for Track 2??

Then I should be able to use the Western Flyer to power Track 3 and the sidings?

I have other transformers for power of the switches and accessories.

How do I hook up these components electrically?

I have read the old Lionel TMCC manual and I am still confused ( maybe just dumb). Help.

[ADCX Rob]

Are your locomotives conventional or command?

[quizshow904]

All are conventional except 1 MTH Railking made in the 1990's and I am not sure about that one. It may be conventional also.

Thanks for the help

[Kooljock1]

First Question:  What is a "Western Flyer" 350 watt transformer?  I've never heard of the brand, but it is important to know if it has AC or DC output.  You need a transformer that will put out around 18v AC to your PowerMaster bricks.

You'll want one PowerMaster brick for each loop of track.  These get wired between you power supplies (either the one listed above or the 135w PowerHouse bricks.

Each PowerMaster operates on the SAME frequency as they get programmed by you with your CAB-1.

Best thing to do: read the big booklet that came with your CAB-1/Command Base set.

Jon

[Buckeye Riveter]

Kooljock1

Best thing to do: read the big booklet that came with your CAB-1/Command Base set.

Jon

Jon's suggestion is right on target.  I read that booklet two or three times to catch on how the TMCC system worked. 

If you don't have the "big book" here it is:  http://www.lionel.com/media/servicedocuments/71-2911-250.pdf  

[lionelsoni]

"Western Flyer" was the Western Auto brand of bicycles; but I never heard that they made transformers too.  Could you mean "American Flyer"?  That would be a 22090 two-train transformer, actually two transformers in one box.  It has no rectifiers and therefore puts out AC.  It looks like this:

[quizshow904]

You are correct, an American Flyer 22090, 2 train transformer. PIcture agrees.

[quizshow904]

I have an American Flyer 22090 2 train transformer that puts out 18 v AC. I have 2 135 watt bricks and 2 ea Trainmaster PH-1's that are on the same frequency. I guess that i hook up one 135 watt brick to one PH-1 to each loop of track, say tr-1 and tr-2. Then I can use the AM 22090 for tr-3 and tr-4??. Can I control all these with one command base and CAB-1 remote?

[quizshow904]

I am pretty sure they are all conventional. The MTC railking is out of the mid 90's but doesn't say it is command control.

[quizshow904]

Do I have to have a PH-1 Trainmaster unit to hook up each track for the American flyer 22090?

[ADCX Rob]

You will need a PM-1 for each TR(track) to operate the trains.  The Command base is not needed for running the trains, only if you use the SC-1s for switch & accessory control.

Track 1)  PH-1 ------> PM-1(1) ----->  Track 1

Track 2)  PH-1 ------> PM-1(2) ----->  Track 2

Track 3)  Flyer 22090 Handle 1------> PM-1(3) ----->  Track 3

Track 4)  Flyer 22090 Handle 2 ------> PM-1(4) ----->  Track 4

[Kooljock1]

But don't throw out the Command Base, as it will run all TMCC and Legacy engines in Command Mode!

Jon

[quizshow904]

Why do I need a PM-1 for Track 3 and 4? Why not use the power from the American Flyer?

[quizshow904]

Thanks. I have read it once so now I am getting into it again. Slow learner. I really appreciate you guys helping.

Paul

[ADCX Rob]

quizshow904

Why do I need a PM-1 for Track 3 and 4? Why not use the power from the American Flyer?

Track 1)  PH-1 ------> PM-1(1) ----->  Track 1

Track 2)  PH-1 ------> PM-1(2) ----->  Track 2

Track 3)  Flyer 22090 Handle 1------> PM-1(3) ----->  Track 3

Track 4)  Flyer 22090 Handle 2 ------> PM-1(4) ----->  Track 4

Is the same as:

Track 1)  Transformer/Power Supply ------> Control Module(1) ----->  Track 1

Track 2)  Transformer/Power Supply ------> Control Module(2) ----->  Track 2

Track 3)  Transformer/Power Supply ------> Control Module(3) ----->  Track 3

Track 4)  Transformer/Power Supply ------> Control Module(4) ----->  Track 4

[quizshow904]

Thanks I guess I am a little slow on the up take.