Adding LEGACY to Conventional Layout

Hi ams.

Yes, that should work just fine. I converted my layout to legacy in a similar way. I have since replaced my CW-80s with 18V transformer bricks and TPC's (Which I have recently replaced with Legacy PowerMasters.) for the added ability to control my conventional locomotives from the CAB-2.

But as you have surmised, all you need to do is get a Legacy command set, and connect the one wire to the track, turn your CW-80s up to full power, and away you go.   

I too run my legacy signal wire to each loop, even though they are connected electrically by crossovers. 

That's great insight, thanks!

It seemed so simple, I thought I must be missing something in the process.  Will have to add the 990 to the 'to get' list.

You can also get the Cab1L set for under $200.00 to run your Legacy engines, not all the features as Cab2, but more affordable and available now.

Art

I am unsure of this but I believe if you are a "looper" then there is a fastrack piece (which may even be out now) that allows you to control conventional through Legacy.  Hopefully one of the many many experts on here will confirm or deny this theory.

Actually, if you have a Legacy system (and not MTH DCS), the only way to control conventional with the Legacy system would be to add one of the following.

Legacy PowerMaster

TMCC PowerMaster

ZW-C in command mode

ZW-L in command mode

TPU - Track Power Unit

Those are the devices that accept TMCC commands and vary track power for conventional operation.  There's no Fastrack gadget to do that.

Thanks!  That was what I meant.  Need more morning coffee before venturing out on here with the Big Dogs!

If I understand correctly with the Powermaster I can have one per loop and control each one independently as opposed to having to convert a locomotive.

Correct Ed, but note that you can only run a single locomotive on that loop if it's conventional.  When they're TMCC equipped, you can run multiple locomotives on the loop.