TMCC

[csxt30]

HELLO, I am new here, and must say, this sure is a nice forum and have enjoyed reading here for quite some time! Just returning to O gauge trains, and want to see if I can use a 90 watt, # 1044 Lionel transformer with a base and cab 1 and 1 GP-9 Lionel eng. I think I may have to get a Powerhouse, but want to know for sure. Thanks very much, John

[Anonymous]

You can for now.

Once you get more engines, and lighted cars, youll need more power,. just to run trains that will be fine

[csxt30]

Thanks, Lehigh Valley.

[Anonymous]

By the way, Welcome to the forum

[csxt30]

Chris, thanks again! Really nice to get a response so fast.

[Anonymous]

I would recommend you look for a more powerfull transformer unless you have a small loco.
The 1044 is only a 15 volt transformer to start with and will load down very fast if you are using a loco with high current demand.
Try it and it you find you can;t get any speed or none at all, your train is demanding too much current.
For example, 5 passenger cars with lights and a diecast steamer no go, two mjuch current demand by the combo of passenger cars and lights or a long train. The lionel 250 watt Z is the cheapest way to go. I just sold one for 100 bucks and the guy is thrilled with it. You get up to 25 volts and 15 amps of power. Otherwise an old battery charger of 10 amps of more will work but only will put out 12 volts.
Good luck. Dave Roxin

[Roger Bielen]

CSXT30, Also welcome to the forum. Don't forget that just using the base, CAB-1, and a trans. you'll only be able to control TMCC engines. If you want to use conventional engines you'll have to run by transformer control. If you want to use the CAB-1 for conventional you'll also need a PowerMaster, can put 135W through them, or a TPC 300 or 400, 300 and 400 watts respectfully. If you go for a power house go for the 180W, eventhough the PM is lower rated it'll only pass through it's rated wattage.

Enjoy!

[csxt30]

Thanks Dave, I only have the one engine right now. I want to get the ZW soon too. Actually I want to test this engine as I got it a while back and it won't run. It's a Millwaukee GP-9 and I don't know how to set the programing.or even how to get it to go on a regular transformer. Hoping it will work somehow when the Command stuff comes . Thanks again, John

[csxt30]

Hello Roger & thanks for the info. I do have a powermaster , today I purchased a cab 1 and base.I have to wait for that to come though. I did try to get the engine to work at a friend's house on his TMCC, but it didn't work and also didn't have much time to keep trying to program it. Hope to know more when all the stuff gets here. Thanks again, John

[ChiefEagles]

Welcome to the forum. Guys, wanted you to know that yesterday, I ran two MTH SD90's [4 motors and lights] plus some lights and lighted caboose off of one side of a KW; and two Lionel SD80's [that is 4 more motors, lights smoke units] and lighted caboose off of the other side of the KW. No problems. Since I have now gotten my CAB1, I run my Lionels with it and my MTH's with DCS remote. Well, I went a step further. I ran both MTH's [4 motors & etc] and the two Lionels [4 more motors & etc] on the outer loop which is powered by only one side of the KW. No problems. Was testing to see if I got interference with them within a foot of each other [had seen comments that when they were operated close to each other, problems existed]. No problem at all.

[csxt30]

Thanks Chief Eagles, I always enjoy your posts. I do plan to get a ZW or even a KW down the road. Thanks again, John

[laz 57]

Welcome CSXT30[#welcome][#welcome][#welcome],
Like the other gizs said you can run it but as time goes by and you start to grow, go for the biggest transformer you can afford. There are lots of different avenues that you can get a decent one at. Hobby shops, CTT mag, flea markets, Ebay etc. and the one good thing about being on this forum is there is lots of guys to help you give there opinions on things. So don't be affraid to ask. Just to let ya know.
laz57

[csxt30]

Thanks LAZ57, I like that info , thanks and I enjoy all your posts here also. This is really a nice forum, though I mainly just read till today! Thanks again, John