Question on Lionels TMCC

[Anonymous]

You might consider purchasing the Lionel Cab-1/Command Base set and MTH's DCS and the cable to connect the TIU to the Command Base. DCS has the equivalent of two Powermasters built in ( but with an improved wave form that will allow you to run PS-1's in conventional, if you have any).

You will still need transformers of course (the Lionel Bricks work great), but with this set up you can run anything conventional from Pre-War, to Post-War, and TMCC and PS2 in command.

I have two set-ups like this and will be doing a third one soon.

Not hard to hook up and no limitations on what you can run.

[Anonymous]

A CAB-1 and a PowerMaster can control one track (you can use several) and in addition you'll need an AC toy train transformer (ZW, KW, etc.) or a PowerHouse "Brick" transformer to provide power to the PowerMaster. A CAB-1/PowerMaster combo doesn't require a Command Base since the PowerMaster receives the signal directly from the CAB-1. It's a pretty good remote throttle solution, but may not be compatible with older PS1 locomotives.

An improved version of the PowerMaster is the TPC, it requires a Command Base and a special cable since the TPC doesn't receive it's signal directly from the CAB-1. The TPC can handle more power than the PowerMaster and is compatible with most MTH PS1.

If you have any plans to buy a command equipped locomotive, the TPC or any of the switch or accessory controllers then get the TMCC Command Set (CAB-1 + Command Base). If not, then the Command Base is of no use.

BTW - Lionel's new ZW, along with the TMCC Command Set will allow you to control four tracks from the CAB-1. They're nice, but a pricey solution.

Brady

[eZAK]

In addition to what Buckeye said;

How many engines can you control with the TMCC in conventional mode.

(A); You can control only one post-war engine with the hand held (Cab-1) & Cmd. Base.

Do I need a seprate 6-12867 Command PowerMaster for each track?

(A); You only need one Command base per layout, But you will need one Power Master or TPC for each transformer output or Power House.

[Buckeye Riveter]

C-Burke, Some very good question. I run TMCC, and have found the following interactive web page a very good explanation of TMCC.
http://www.coilcouplers.com/tmc/intro.html

Also, check out the Lionel Web Site for their demo about TMCC. After reading how everything works and watching the demo, you might consider doing something different with your track configuration. Did you know that two companies make add ons that can change a conventional locomotive to command?[8D]

[Anonymous]

I'm toying around with the idea of maybe converting my engines over to work with TMCC, but for the meen time, How many engines can you controle with the TMCC in conventional mode. I'm planing on running two seperate tracks and going to use my KW transformer. Do I need a seprate 6-12867 Command PowerMaster for each track? Can I run comand and conventional mode at the same time? All my engines right now are postwar units and the polar express set.