Lionel Fastrack Setup

[mistyk11]

Ok, so I took the big step and ordered the new ZW.. I want to say thanks to everyone who helped me by giving me some insight into the different ways I could have gone. It was a big decision for me since we are new to the hobby but even the husband said that we'll probably be expanding on down the road. At least now, we can get the accessories we want, along with being able to run whatever locomotives and cars we want without worry that we wouldn't have enough power to run it all. I still am looking for any suggestions on power accessories we will need in order to hook it up when it gets here. And of course, I'm always looking for new ways to improve the layout! (but the TMCC stuff will DEFINITELY have to wait for now!) Now, it's on to scenery to go along with the Area 51 set up that my son wants....Any ideas for making alien figures??

[jimhaleyscomet]

If you want you can go on to the Lionel website and download the new ZW manual.  That way you can be totally confused by the time it comes in!!!!!! 

Since you already have a terminal track with wires you should be good to go, just replace the powermax with the new ZW....talk about an upgrade!!!!! 

As for TMCC  or TMCCII.... since all I want is remote control of conventional engines I am sticking with TMCC Cab1/command base ($115?) for my new ZW.  Those new TMCCII engines are very expensive (over $1000) plus the command set is about $150 more than TMCC Cab1/command base! 

 

Jim H 

[jimhaleyscomet]

Misty...

One other thing...as far as TMCC goes keep it simple for now.  All you would "need" is the Cab1/command base combination to add remote control  and voltage limiting to your new ZW.  All the rest is for the fancy folks. 

Jim H 

[mistyk11]

I "glanced" at the ZW manual...I decided to wait to finish it until the unit arrives...more fun to confuse myself then! Actually, I pretty well understand the basic connections for it. The fun will come when I decide to incorporate the TMCC stuff.

When you mention conventional engines, what exactly are you referring to? Would that be just the standard, single engine locomotives?

[laz 57]

MISTY to the forum.  Stop by the coffee pot and have a few with us.

BTW the SMITH BROTHERS hobby shop any relation to the cough drop SMITH BROTHERS?

laz57

[IronHoarse]

conventional  means that it is not TMCC equipped.  Have fun with the new ZW.  Wish I had one!

[mistyk11]

MISTY to the forum.  Stop by the coffee pot and have a few with us.

BTW the SMITH BROTHERS hobby shop any relation to the cough drop SMITH BROTHERS?

laz57

Thanks for the welcome!! I'm learning a lot....maybe TOO much. I'll stop by the coffee pot and see what else I can learn!

[mistyk11]

conventional  means that it is not TMCC equipped.  Have fun with the new ZW.  Wish I had one!

 

Thanks IronHoarse....I wasn't sure if conventional had something to do with the pre-war/post-war terminology...

[Anonymous]

If you want you can go on to the Lionel website and download the new ZW manual.  That way you can be totally confused by the time it comes in!!!!!! 

Since you already have a terminal track with wires you should be good to go, just replace the powermax with the new ZW....talk about an upgrade!!!!! 

As for TMCC  or TMCCII.... since all I want is remote control of conventional engines I am sticking with TMCC Cab1/command base ($115?) for my new ZW.  Those new TMCCII engines are very expensive (over $1000) plus the command set is about $150 more than TMCC Cab1/command base! 

 

Jim H 

Jim,
Not so there are TMCC II engines in the new catalog for $399.00 if memory serves me correctly... look at the newer deisel engines...Brent

[jimhaleyscomet]

Jim,
Not so there are TMCC II engines in the new catalog for $399.00 if memory serves me correctly... look at the newer deisel engines...Brent

 

I stand corrected...I do not have the new catalog yet.  I am glad to see TMCC in less expensive engines....

Still the "conventional" control engines can be much less ($60 - $120-$xxxx).   While I have four TMCC engines (and four PS2.0 engines), I currently receive much more fun from my money by purchasing multiple small conventional control inexpensive engines and entry level sets.  

Jim H 

 

[lionelsoni]

Fortunately, TMCC and DCS locomotives can easily be upgraded to conventional operation by adding e-units, and rectifiers as needed....;-)