Denver Rio Grande ABA set questions

I also have that set which is a ‘conventional’ engine so it boils down to the power source you have.  Basically if yours was an older Post War transformer you would probably have to connect the small ‘sound controls’ box to your layout, whereas since you are using a modern operating system (ie. Base 3) the bell/horn sounds should work by merely pressing the applicable buttons on the Base 3 - making the sounds box unnecessary.

The black box is the bell button. When these were produced, many people were still using postwar transformers which did not have a bell button.  What are you using to power your track?  These were a big deal when they came out in 92 ( and very expensive)!

I have a powerhouse 180 lionel transformer, hooked direct to track, and then the base 3.

@Gpower posted:

I have a powerhouse 180 lionel transformer, hooked direct to track, and then the base 3.

You're going to need a way to vary the voltage to run those. If you have a 180W brick direct to the track, you're giving the track full 18V all the time.   I assume you're using the app to run your new stuff?

Yes, that is correct, full 18v all the time.  So I need a transformer that has the lever for variable voltage then.  And I assume ill have to run the speed etc manual not with the app on my phone?

Yes there are old school locomotives. You can upgrade with ERR products to make them TMCC (not Legacy) control.

@Gpower posted:

And I assume ill have to run the speed etc manual not with the app on my phone?

@Gpower,

No.  You can easily control conventional engines like your ABA set with the app on your phone and your Base 3.

To do this you'll need a PowerMaster (180 or 360) however.  You'll insert it in between your PH-180 and the track.  You'll then program it via TMCC using the app, i.e., give it an address.   After that it acts just like an engine when you move the throttle on the app, but now this action varies the voltage to the track (which is what your conventional engine is expecting) instead of sending a radio command to the engine (as happens with newer command engines) to tell it to move.

You can still use this new power arrangement to feed the track for your bluetooth engines by simply turning the PowerMaster throttle up to its maximum first, then grabbing your handheld, if LionChief or LC+, and turning its knob just like you normally would.

Mike