I have a few Lionel trains, I'd like to run with one control system. Two Lionel trains I'd like to run linked on the same track, one is a Norfolk Southern TMCC P/N 6-28204, the other a CSX Legacy 6-38407. Also my B&O 6-28615, on a separate track I'd like to upgrade to DCC, so that I can make it possible. What are my options, do I need a Lionel Legacy system? Or are their other manufacturers that their systems will play nicely with my trains. Additionally what other electronics would I need? Does it matter that the B&O is not TMCC, or legacy? Is there a way, to put in a board, and upgrade it? I've been running conventional setups, now I want to start getting a bit more serious, and would appreciate the advice! Update: I placed my TMCC train and Legacy train on the same track, neither moved using the normal odyssey, analog setup(that's all I have) Now my TMCC, LOCOMOTIVE WILL NOT OPERATE by itself on the track. It'll power up lights on etc. The whistle will not work, and the bell will not work, when I increase the voltage, it tries for half a second to lurch fwd, then shorts out, I'm wondering if placing both trains on the track some how shorted the drive/ direction Circuit board, in my engine, any advice?
By itself, the Lionel Legacy system will run both of your TMCC N/S and your CSX Legacy. The Legacy system will operate all of the features in the CSX.
A TMCC control system will also operate the TMCC N/S and the CSX Legacy, though you will probably not be able to operate all of the features in the Legacy locomotive.
I am assuming that your B&O is a conventional locomotive. To operate the locomotive, you will need to add a Lionel Powermaster or a TPC 300 or a TPC 400. Really, for one locomotive, either of the TPC's would be overkill. The Powermaster or TPC is a device that varies the track voltage on commands from TMCC or Legacy systems.
Take a trip to the Lionel web site, or read through the Legacy section of a recent catalog to get a better idea of what you will need to do what you want.
Odyssey is a speed control feature - kind of like a cruse control. In TMCC or Legacy mode, it will maintain a given speed setting . I do not recall right now how Odyssey works in conventional control.
As far as what your TMCC locomotive is doing, I'm not really sure. Check your owner's manual. There are usually directions for doing a reset on the locomotive - kind of like re-booting the computer. If that fails, a call to Lionel service, or a trip to your Lionel service center (if you have one nearby) would be in order.
Good luck.
First I know enough to get by but 1 tmcc is not actually dcc thats a differant system by MTH that opperates off of DC power where tmcc runs off of AC ( I believe that the correct way of putting it) anyway you can contact http://www.electricrr.com/ they offer electonic systems ( they are now owned by lionel or are a sub company of lionel I guess you would say) to convert your conventional engine into tmcc and its not a hrd thing to do as I have done about 6 or so and I'm not really electrical minded so if I can anyone about can. To get the old tmcc system unless you already have it I would go ahead and get legacy as there isn't much differance in price as its a collectors thing now with the old system and from what I understand the legacey actually you get more out of and your tmcc engines can run on either legacy or tmcc as can your legacy engines just legacy system has more things it can do with your engine from my understanding ( I haven't moved up yet will one day but not in budget yet seeing I have tmcc and its doing fine so far.)
I recommend doing a reset also if you don't have your manual goto www.lionel.com and look it up as they have most of them there you will need the acual engine number not necesary the one on the engine but the one that was on the box but you may be able to look it up by road name if its not to old. or tell us what you have by road name and number and we may be able to help you better.
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Actually DCC is a command system primarily used in HO and two-rail O.
DCS is the MTH control system and it powers MTH's trains running on AC.
Some of the more recent MTH locomotives with ProtoSound 3.0 can be switched to operate either with DCS or DCC. Similarly many have a three-rail-to-two-rail conversion option.
Bob Keller
I know this is confusing but I'll try and summarize.
A word about how TMCC and Legacy work might be helpful here.
A conventional locomotive is controlled by varying the voltage to the track to vary the speed of the locomotive. Interruptions to track power cycle the e-unit in the locomotive to cycle through the familiar forward, neutral, reverse, neutral actions. The bell and whistle buttons on the transformer superimpose a DC signal to the track power to operate the bell or whistle on the locomotive.
With TMCC or Legacy, the track power is set to a constant 18 volts. The hand held controller sends a signal to the electronics on board the locomotive. These electronics then turn the 18 volts from the track into a varying DC voltage to drive the motors in the locomotive and determine the direction of travel and operate of all of the other features, like bell, horn, sound package, lights, etc.
This is somewhat simplified, but catches the essence of the way Legacy works. Hope it helps.
Yeah I looked through the manual, and have been unable to find a reset procedure, utilizing the cw-80. There is a procedure with the TMCC cab1 controller. I did do some further troubleshooting and the whistle, and bell were working last night, in neutral I can bring the transformer to full power without it overloading, but as soon as I try to move it in either direction, it makes a slight budge, then over currents the transformer. I'm planning to contact Lionel today., and possibly send it in for service. The only other thing I think would cause this would be something stuck in the driveline. I'll do a more through inspection tonight. What parts would be needed, to do the tmcc or legacy conversion to the B&O. Lastly, does anyone know when the Lionel Legacy system will be available? I have looked multiple places online, and have not seen them for sale. As soon as one is available on Amazon I plan to get it
You cannot reset a legacy or TMCC locomotive without a CAB controller. However, if you remove the battery the engine will clear and boot up in conventional mode if it does not detect a control signal.
If it's moving and then locking up there is a short or motor problem. It should be fixable but Lionel provides great support service if you cannot find the problem.
Lionel is not offering legacy conversions but The Electric RR offers TMCC conversions. Check for them here. http://www.electricrr.com/
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