That's where I was, I had some PW stuff that was stashed away for many years, when I got interested again a few years ago, I discovered command and never looked back. I still have some PW cars and the like, but virtually everything I have is command now.
David, I'm in the same boat--recently returned after a long absence and was overwhelmed by what I found. While there's a wealth of sage counsel to be found on this forum, be aware that many of the experts speak with a good deal of jargon because they assume you know what they're talking about. So here's my go at your question, in layman's terms--which is what I need personally.
You have a collection of PW locomotives (as do I), and I'm assuming you'd like to have all those running. I'm also assuming you want to do as much as you can with as little investment as possible--so consider my suggestion the bare-bones, uber-low-budget approach.
COMMAND
All you need to build a "postwar command" layout are the following three products:
1. CAB-1 (6-12828) - the handheld remote
2. Powermaster (6-12867) - the receiver that varies the track voltage
3. Powerhouse (6-12866) - the power supply
I purchased all three of these products used off eBay for less than $125 total. Also, you could forego the Powerhouse altogether and substitute pretty much any old transformer with the throttle turned all the way up, as it will serve the same purpose.
CONVENTIONAL
As far as straight conventional running goes, my permanent layout is powered by four CW-80's. I think this is a fine transformer, and they can be purchased new from set break-ups for $35-$45 each. I've had nothing but positive experiences with them--they occasionally get some bad press here, but I attribute at least part of this to being part of a "starter set" and folks are looking down their nose at them. 100% satisfied here.
WATCH
These videos from Mike were a huge help to me understanding power management outside a traditional transformer:
Powermaster Instructional Video
http://www.lionel.com/Customer....cfm?documentID=6356
Track Power Options for TMCC & LEGACY
http://www.lionel.com/Customer....cfm?documentID=6351
TRACK
I buy used Fastrack where I can find it (shows, eBay), but if I could start over, I would build with good old 031 track instead. With four loops running, the Fastrack is deafening. Even the sound dampening approaches folks have come up with seem to provide only a modest improvement.
As a disclaimer, I certainly want to point out that my layout suggestions don't provide headroom for all the fancy stuff (Legacy, etc...), but I've built the exact layout I always wanted with a VERY conservative outlay of funds. So good luck!
I wished I had learned about , curves, before building. probably would have
gone at least 042, if not 054. If you can buy a Williams Sd90, from Pats Trains or
Trainworld, for $110.00, will give you a Great Conv, 17 in. long super running
engine.- but you need the curve, : lots of learning, protect your layout,
that is in the electrical section of this forum, My favorites has grown with each
new site infor provided, for later. As you read you will learn about MTH, (nice)
in the back of their manuals, they do not list , Lionel cw-80, I bought an additional
MTH-750, along with my already having a ZW, and PW V-150
I did go O72 curves, but went to the ceiling with those tracks, going around
all 10 ft walls giving me, a couple of long, higher end locomotive, (diesel, and steam), choices, -- I thought I would just add a couple of engines for say 200 a piece, well that did not happen, I just got a MTH Tinplate Christmas set and 3 additional cars for well, a whole lot more than the figure above, the Fever or bug
will hit !!! Oh I believe you will have high anticipations, wanting to do a lot at one
time,( this did not happen ) in the wiring area for me, calmness in your thoughts, enjoyment in the planning, purchasing, learning, overall aspects choices. It takes time, change of life
Originally Posted by farwest:
I've been away from the hobby for 35 years and things have changed a bit. I've read up on things before posting. I apologise now for the rambling post which will follow, and understand I'm trying to get up to speed after a long time. I feel like Rip Van Winkle.
I have mostly all conventional post-war Lionel, which I will restore.
I need new power supplies, the old stuff has disappeared. I have a Fastrack starter set with a weak transformer I bought for the kids' Christmas. It's adequate for now, but when I get the old stuff running it won't be. I like the Fastrack, but I have no idea about the other new tack systems. I'm inclined to stick with Fastrack. I've already gotten into cutting it and it's fine. I'm sure I could make it work with other track systems via adaptors and such. I like the switches, no derailing so far.
Lionel Legacy Command looks really interesting and I understand how conventional works under legacy. I'm sure if I got into it, I'd like it. The variety and pricing of new things from companies other than Lionel is astounding though, so I'll probably go with all conventional power and control. I don't know anything about the other command systems.
I am particularly intrigued by the Williams by Bachman and MTH lines. Are conventional sounds, whistle and bell, compatible with Lionel on these new brands? What about command modules and such? I understand how to control track power for conventional trains using Legacy.
My questions are: How compatible are the new (to me) brands like MTH, Williams, and others with conventional Lionel sound control?
Since I need new power supplies, would it be worth it to jump into Legacy with both feet or stay conventional?
If I stay conventional, I'm inclined to buy an MRC Pure Power Dual. Is this a good idea? Will it really blow horns and ring bells on all brands?
Thank you,
David
i bought the first mrc dual when it first came out...no it does not blow the horn on the newer lionel trains..will blow the horn on some lionel engines i got back before lionel added all the fancy sounds. but still using it, will blow the horn on williams engines that i got back when williams was still williams. maybe by now mrc has fixed that problem..i don't know. i run my williams more then my lionel anyway. but still not happy about it tho. toyjust4me
Farwest Welcome to the forum!! Lots of great info here. Like the others say, take time and research a lot!! "P & LE, B &LE" seems you might be from the 'burgh!!
