how do you upgrade an engine to tmcc

right now I am upgrading a cov. classic GP7 to TMCC & railsounds for a customer.  parts alone are 200 for the coversion.  with that said is the locomtives you want to convert worth that to you?  if so go for it.

You can upgrade a loco to command without sounds or cruise for under $100.
Of course you still need a command base and controller.

i can see that i'd double the price of my engine.  is there a good starter either lionel or mth set out there that i should be looking at?  that would give me the controller and 1 engine.  it's not like i have a lot of engines to replace.  

Search eBay for used equipment.
At the bare minimum, you need a command base, a CAB-1 remote and a command equipped locomotive.
You could maybe find a used Base+Remote for under $100. I've seen TMCC equipped locos sell for $150-$200.

I'm still in the process of upgrading my older locos to TMCC. I still have 4 more to complete.

dont forget the new lionchef system that lione is comming out with for starter sets, after they are released some dealers may break up sets and sell the loco and controllers by themselves

don't forget the cab1L will run TMCC.

Both Lionel and MTH offer inexpensive starter sets that have command control.

Check out the latest catalogs and check the big dealers like Trainworld and Charles Ro for blowout deals. There are still lots of conventional operators out there who will happily purchase your used engines.

 

Rod

i see that lionel now has the lionchief control system.  it looks like what i'm looking for, a cheaper control system.  i also see that you need a remote for every engine which i can see as a major drawback for most people.  no more trains than i have or will run, i think it may work for me. 

IMO; You can buy TMCC/Legacy locos used for less than the conversion price. Occasionally you can buy "ebay new" for less.

   Keep you present locos until you get some TMCC/Legacy or sell them to finance your new loco.  Don

If you buy a Power Master and Cab-1 the Cab-1 talks directly tot he Power Master.  The PM can vary track voltage from the remote CAB-1, sound the whistle and bell, and change direction.  Giving you all the remote features for your conventional trains.  The power masters can handle 135 or 180 Watts, so they provide great power for a starter layout.  Later on you can add the TMCC base if you get a used one, and if you get any future TMCC engine you can run them with the CAB-1, and easily shift between running command or conventional on your layout.

 

If you expand your layout the PM can power a loop or district as you add more.

 

It is also a great set up for use around a **** tree as example.

 

All this without getting overly involved with cost, as you figure it out.

 

I know I have a spare Power Master for sale, I just need to check on the CAB-1 if you were interested.

If you go the New Lionel remote system, it will not work with your present engines, so you are better off getting a system that will run what you have, and expand later.  G

IMO ...and lots of guys will dis agree,but converting conventional engines to TMCC is an expensive attempt to make something what it is not meant to be.I have been through it many times.Never again.Sell those old engines and put the money into the legacy control system and either TMCC engines or Legacy engines.DO IT RIGHT.This is an expensive hobby.There is no possible way to get top of the line results while investing in lower end equipment.Good night.Nick

Nick, what is "right" to you is not necessarily "right" for the next guy. This always has been and hopefully will be a hobby of many diverse directions.

 

That said, it does not have to be expensive. G's ideas mentioned above are a very practical approach. Other options exist as well if you look here and on other sites. I've been installing basic TMCC command for customers in diesels for $70.00 (parts & labor) for years now. Steam is a little extra depending on the complexity. Yes sound is an additional $100 or less  (installed). But all of this can be done incrementally.

 

Also early TMCC equipped locos can be found here and on Ebay at reasonable prices. In fact, i have a MPC GP9 with TMCC that i'll be putting on the Buy/Sell board here after York for $135.

 

jackson

OK so 170 bucks.Are we there? H-NO!How about shipping?How about tax?How about  rear and front electro couplers?Good chance the TMCC Engine from the factory will have a fan driven smoke unit.Good chance the old engine has no smoke unit at all.I don't understand...I can get a TMCC engine any day of the week for around 200 bucks w/free shipping. 

Some of the units I have converted to TMCC.  Most can be purchased at a fair price.
I like the older Weaver Samhogsa Brass steam. It has good detail, and with EOB upgrades runs well.  Here is a video of two.  A Weaver Pennsy H10 and L1s. with EOB upgrades.  Click on the triangle to access the video.



This is a post on a similar thread awhile back. 
This is a EOB upgrade of an older Weaver E8 set.  These pictures touch all the bases that have been mentioned, but it's not a MTH upgrade.  Also note that the original motors were change to add flywheels.  Remember that the install is one item/one wire at a time.  Follow the instructions.   Access the file by clicking on the underlined phrase, then click on Start slideshow, upper left corner control panel.  90 pictures. 
Best wishes with your project
Mike.