#990 LEGACY Cmd set running Conventional

I run Legacy and conventional engines using Legacy and my newer style ZW with the 180watt bricks since it has the built in powermasters and it functions great. I have been doing that for some time. You really want to get a Track Power Controller since that does not need the Powermaster Bridge. The Bridge is only necessary when using a Powermaster. Now, if you have a newer ZW with the external power bricks then you do not need any of these but any other transformer you will. One cable and a Track Power Controller and you are good to go.

Hi Loyd

Go to the "Control Systems Forum" and click on the TMCC/Legacy Thread. Many folks discuss the issue there.

 

Thanks, Jeff.  Can I go with either the 6-14189 Track Power Controller or 6-14179 TMCC Track Power Controller?  They are both listed as "Track Power Controllers", but 6-14179 is less Money. 

 

Thanks again.  Floyd

 

Hello Dewey,

 

I've spent quite a bit of time and failed to find the "Control Systems Forum" TMCC/Legacy Thread.   It looks like I should have posted my question to the "Control Systems Forum".  Responding to Jeff's note, I have an older ZW which would lack the built in powermasters.  Do you think that I can get buy by just purchasing the 6-14189 TMCC Track Power Controller for the retail price of $169.99 plus the cable?  I realize that I can't run conventional engines and legacy engines in command mode at the same time on the same track.  Also, could you please give me the link for the YOUTUBE video from Lionel if you have it?  Thanks much, Floyd  

Floyd,
If I'm right? you couldn't find the TMCC/Legacy Forum?
This forum seems to come up as a default but if you hold your mouse over the red "Forums" at the top of the screen a block will appear that says "Forums list" you'll see
"control systems forum and it will expand and show the TMCC/ legacy forum
Click on it and your there.
Hope this helps .
David

The difference between the two TPCs is watts, one is 300W and the other 400W.  Your transformer output will help determine which one to purchase. You need enough power to process it.   The TPCs will also allow you to run MTH Proto Sound engines if you have any or acquire them.

 

From reading into the post you have PW engines, suggesting you may have a PW transformer. If it is a PW ZW, either should work fine, it puts out 10 amps, 250 or 275 Watts [depending on the model] which is probably all you want to run a conventional engine.

 

If it is not a ZW, you will need some transformer to give you the correct wattage you need. When choosing, these rated volt/amps never really occur in operation. Think of them operating at 80-85% of the ratings on the box.

 

Read up on the TPC before you purchase, remember Legacy and TMCC realistically operate the same way in Conventional mode. There is setup coding and Cab 2 keys to operate in conventional and the TPC needs to be connected to the TRACK or TRACKS that the PW engine will run upon.  So if you are planning on running 2 ovals, with PW engines at the same time, you may need to examine your wiring carefully and may end up needing multiple TPCs - they need be the same wattage connected to the transformer.

 

Hope this helps. But the TMCC/Legacy forum might be the best place to get more info, especially on wiring needed.

 

Ralph

The best solution is the TPC 300 or 400. If you have a PowerMaster you use the PowerMaster bridge to talk to it. I would not by the PowerMaster and PowerMaster bridge if you currently have neither, buy the TPC instead

The TPC-300 is more than enough for almost any occasion for only a single conventional locomotive on one track segment!  If I have a constit that draws more than 100-120 watts, I start lubricating and fixing!  The current draw here with dual locomotives pulling 43 cars measured out at less than 5 amps on a level track, that's less than 100 watts.

 

If you shop used, you may be able to score a PowerMaster and PowerMaster bridge for a bit less money, but I'd go with the TPC if it were me.

I'm planning to purchase the TPC 300 after reading all of your suggestions.  Thank you very much.   If I can't get it to work with my #990 Legacy Command Set I promise not to sue any of you.  LOL 

 

Regards,

Floyd

https://ogrforum.com/d...rum/2415514336485263

Floyd

THe only difference in the TPC 300 and TC 400 is the larger size of the 400s circuit breaker--the same otherwise.

 

Perhaps a better statement is that it's not usually practical to run conventional and TMCC/Legacy on the same track at the same time.  I've tried this, but it was a juggling act.  Anything other than steady-state running of the conventional locomotive at a pretty good clip makes it virtually impossible to use the TMCC locomotive.

I agree with gunrunnerjohn, Years ago I found dual running a awkward nusiance after experrimenting a few times. I did set up to run separate ovals/power districts for my Grand Kids Thomas and Friends: one for TMCC Command and a completely separate one for my MTH Proto 1.0,Lionel and Williams Conventionals. Two transformers, two TPCs and two Cab 1s. If I wanted to run Conventional on my TMCC district also, I just unplugged the COMM Base.