I have a TPC 400 on one line now i want the same on another. it will only have one train on it. My question is should i go with another tpc 300 or 400? Or look for this and then how easy will it be to hook into the system Heres the product
The 37146 Legacy PowerMaster is a 180 watt track power controller that can be controlled by a Cab-1 or Cab-2. Other than offering the option of 32, 120, or 200-speed steps, there is no distinct advantage over a PM-1 unless you no longer have a CAB-1. only a CAB-2. The price at $100 retail is attractive compared to a TPC if it meets your power needs.
Rob
If this Powermaster is the same as the old one, but just running at the Legacy's frequency, another thing to consider would be if you are running MTH or other modern (non Lionel) engines. The old Powermasters didn't play well with some modern electronics. One more item that might be worth noting is if this item is even available yet.
I used the original Powermasters for a few years on my layout. They were nice because I didn't need the command base to use them and they were more sensitive to the Cab-1 signal than the TPC-300s I replaced them with. I still use one for powering the accessories, and plan on using a second one to power my yet to be built trolley line. On my layout, I've never run a train that overloaded one of the Powermasters (180w). I was able to run two trains on the same track that would trip one though, but I was trying to trip it. One engine was a dual pullmor motored GG1 pulling 4 lighted passenger cars, and the other was a dual pullmor motored Trainmaster pulling about a dozen heavy freight cars.
Hope this helps,
J White
DO the power masters have a light to show how much power there is to the track?
No.
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