Powering the Christmas layout

[lion88roar]

My under-the-tree layout is comprised of two independent loops - not interconnected. I will be running Legacy, TMCC, and Conventional (eventually upgraded with ERR) engines. The outer loop will be flat, but the inner 'loop' will go around the tree three times with one incline and one decline.

I have an older TMCC Cab1 and Command base, and a KW. I thought I needed a power master bridge - or something else between the KW and the TMCC Base? And do I need one for each loop?

[Major]

Not entirely familiar with Lionel transformers, but with Flyer dual control transformers such as the 12B and later "deadman" contols I only needed to connect one TMCC base to the common and I could control both trains on independent loops. Flyer's common or "Base Post" on their transformers is connected to both controls.  If the KW is similar in internal wiring than it should work.  I know that when two independent loops of tracks are closed enough you can command a TMCC loco  that is not connected in any way to the base.  However if the tracks separate by just a few extra inches the loco will lose the signal.

[lion88roar]

Can you control both TMCC and non-TMCC engines without the use of the a PowerMaster Bridge?

[Major]

I have the power master but do not like it.  I normally do not use it or have it connected.  Therefore if running one conventional loco and one TMCC loco, I use the Cab 1 for the TMCC equipped loco and the conventional control on the transformer to operated the post war locomotive.  Note: I am using a dual control transformer such as a Flyer 12B or later "Dead Mans" dual control transformer.  The side of the transformer that is running the TMCC equipped locomotive has the dial (throttle) set to max voltage, the other dial is used in conventional fashion.  This should work  the same way with a KW or ZW transformer by Lionel. If using separate transformers make sure they are phased and you can connect the common terminals together and achieve the same results.