Dumb Question from a Conventional Guy

I was in the same boat a couple of weeks ago - this thread might prove useful.

How about telling us what type of locomotives you have, conventional, TMCC, Legacy, DCS, what?  Also, what is the configuration of your layout, do you have three independent loops to run on?

If you want to control trains from a CAB-1 remote, Use one PM-1 PowerMaster per power district(track loop) between your existing transformer and the track. For example, Use A-U & D-U knobs on the ZW(set to full voltage) powering 2 PM-1s. The CAB-1 talks to each PM-1 as "Track 1" & "Track 2", and you control the train with the remote with speed control, whistle, bell(for bell equipped trains), momentum(low, med, or hi), and stall voltage(not important to get started). All switches, uncouplers, and accessories work the same as before - this is just for train control.

That's all it takes to get started with handheld/remote control - the bare minimum is the CAB-1, a PM-1, and the cable to connect the PM-1 to the ZW or KW(it is a Molex cable with an inline fuse, the track is connected to the binding posts on the PM-1 just like on your transformers).

I like to use the 20 volt fixed output on the KWs to power the PM-1s if you don't have any need to power down the PowerMaster.

Gunrunner:  I have the tracks laid down for a "modified" Lionel Display D-192 that has 3 independent loops, not counting the trolley line (the 4th line) that has not been set yet as I ponder a good location.  In terms of what I run, I have post war, MPC, and "modern" Lionel, all conventional, all that run flawlessly with the ZW & KW's.  I also have some MTH, with Proto Sound 1 and 2 which run well , but without all of the functions, which I don't really care about.  I hope that I answered your questions.

Do you really want to use a remote?  If not why added excess equipment just to run conventional.  A CAB-1 and 3 Power Masters will run you about $200 used.

Basically the CAB-1 talks to the power master and makes it change the voltage to the track, but the offsets for whistle and bell, with an added few features like braking and acceleration, plus emergency stop.   You could uses your PW transformers to feed the PM with Lionel adapter cables.

Not sure why I would go to that expense especially if your remaking a PW display.  G

Jaymark posted:

I admit it:  I only run conventional.  My ZW and KW on an 8 X 10 layout is all that I think that I need.  However, I was at a LHS recently and the owner was explaining to me what I would need in order to use a Lionel remote on the 3 trains that I operate.  Unfortunately, it sounded like mumbo jumbo to me.  So I was wondering if there is anyone out there who can advise me if there is  a way to buy some additional equipment,  "Bricks" or whatever so I can use a remote on my layout.  Thanks for the patience.

Are you looking for "walk-around" throttle control for your conventional locomotives? That's really the only reason to use a Lionel remote, unless you have some TMCC loco's that you want to run in command mode.

A walk around throttle IS probably all that I'm looking for especially if after spending a couple hundred bucks I couldn't use whistle or horn from what I see from other contributors. 

Jaymark,

 If you definitely want the walk around remote control, Rob is exact right as to what you need for a beginning remote control set up.  After you have experienced walk around remote control you will be hook and eventually want DCS & Legacy for the full remote control effect.  Purchase as Rob advised and get started into a great remote control Train world.  George (GGG) is definitely right however, this is not in expensive stuff.

PCRR/Dave

Jaymark posted:

A walk around throttle IS probably all that I'm looking for especially if after spending a couple hundred bucks I couldn't use whistle or horn from what I see from other contributors. 

Yes, the remote will control the whistle and bell as well, but, as mentioned, you'll need the one remote/ command base set up. Then a powermaster, or a TPC (track power controller , they dont make TPC's anymore but maybe you can find one used, for conventional control.)

This website I highly recommend for an introduction to Lionel command control for your layout;

http://www.coilcouplers.com/tmc/begin.html

Penn-Pacific posted:

Yes, the remote will control the whistle and bell as well, but, as mentioned, you'll need the one remote/ command base set up. Then a powermaster, or a TPC (track power controller , they dont make TPC's anymore but maybe you can find one used...

NO! No Command Base / TPC Needed!

It looks like this is the "mumbo jumbo" the OP spoke of in his 1st post! Keep it simple!

And what is an TPC? 

Maybe GGG has a point, if I'm doing a postwar layout, do I really need remote access?  Maybe I'll look for a 2nd ZW and ditch the KW. 

Everyone has given me a lot of food for thought.  That's why this forum is so great.

ADCX Rob posted:

Penn-Pacific posted:

Yes, the remote will control the whistle and bell as well, but, as mentioned, you'll need the one remote/ command base set up. Then a powermaster, or a TPC (track power controller , they dont make TPC's anymore but maybe you can find one used...

NO! No Command Base / TPC Needed!

It looks like this is the "mumbo jumbo" the OP spoke of in his 1st post! Keep it simple!

OK, I agree, lets keep it simple. What does Jaymark need to control track voltage with a cab-1 remote?

I stated the cab 1 with the command base and a powermaster as that's what I originally started with on my mainly conventional layout years ago. Controlled track voltage and the whistle/ horn and bell functions too, flawlessly. That's what I meant if the OP wanted wireless walk-around control of his layout.

No Command Base needed for train control!

Here's an instructional video from Lionel about the powermaster with a good comprehensive explanation, hope this helps;

No command as stated, a Cab-1 communicates with a TMCC Power master directly.  But these are obsolete.  The new CAB-1L and Legacy Power Masters would need a Command Base.  So you are either buying used TMCC stuff for conventional ops, or going new.  Really is a lot of extra stuff to run PW. 

This is where the MTH Z-4000 with it's remote would be a better fit, but that is expensive too if you already have PW transformers.  G