Going back to the 1056(?) transformer I had with my first set and now to the vintage ZW I've always operated my trains through the transformer. Even with Legacy I dial up the ZW first.
I keep reading about bricks. Could someone explain how they work in layman's terms? Is a brick plugin play? What else would I need to add a brick to "small" layout?
Thanks!
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The brick simply puts out a constant voltage, there is no handle. There is a power switch to turn the power on/off, and a circuit breaker. 
Next question. Adding a brick, Lionel PowerHouse, takes the transformer out of the equation when running Legacy? I assume you wouldn't need both.
You can go straight from the brick, which is the transformer, to the track putting a constant 18VAC on the track. You would then control the trains using the Legacy base and handheld, which sends a signal to the engines to control the engine's electronics. Since you cannot vary the voltage, you would not be able to control conventional locomotives.
There are (Track Power Controllers) that can, in command mode, turn power off/on, or in conventional mode, vary voltage as needed. A combination of older PH 135 bricks, lower left, and TPC400's, lower picture middle. Today PH 180 bricks would be available. Lower right, TMCC command base. Not pictured, Cab1, hand held remote.
The equipment has changed, the transformer bricks, Track Power Controllers, and Legacy control system. There was an effort to make all backward compatible. (IMO, to some degree). The silver boxes, (TPC 400's), will access most MTH DCS functions in conventional mode.
Not sure these diagrams will help, but here goes:
This is the setup for command only. In this case, the plug was cut off the PH180 so the wires could be attached directly to the track. Again, no conventional control.
If you want to run conventional, you need to add in a voltage controller (Track Power Controller (TPC) or PowerMaster (PM)) to vary the voltage from the PH180 transformer. Here is a TMCC setup but it would be the same with Legacy components.
If you want to run Legacy/TMCC, DCS, and conventional there are several ways to set it up. Here is how I'm doing it.
@Jeff T posted:Next question. Adding a brick, Lionel PowerHouse, takes the transformer out of the equation when running Legacy? I assume you wouldn't need both.
That is correct for running Legacy engines in command mode.
If you run all command (like me) no need for a throttle. The "bricks" will work fine.
Has anyone encountered problems with the bricks supplying a sudden surge of power to the capacitors on MTH engines or to the electronics in Lionel Legacy engines? I have also used bricks for several years but recently switched to the Z4000 transformers so I can bring up the voltage more gradually. Not sure if my concern is valid or if I am just paranoid. Doesn't hurt to ask!
I have a MRC Pure Power Dual running DCS. I routinely just leave the handles full on and turn the power on with the switch without problems.
@Chris1985 posted:Has anyone encountered problems with the bricks supplying a sudden surge of power to the capacitors on MTH engines or to the electronics in Lionel Legacy engines? I have also used bricks for several years but recently switched to the Z4000 transformers so I can bring up the voltage more gradually. Not sure if my concern is valid or if I am just paranoid. Doesn't hurt to ask!
Nope. I turn the switch on for the layout (power strip everything is plugged into) then turn the bricks on. My TIU is powered by the AUX port. Haven't hurt anything.
Fantastic, thanks guys.
My layout is command and I use Lionel 180W Powerhouse PS, no variable voltage with this unit. For the safety of my Lionel Loco's I also use the Lionel TMCC Direct Lockon PN 6-34120. The Lockon has a lightening quick breaker for shorts and an over voltage circuit to prevent voltage surges. I'm sure most Lionel modelers are aware of this product. The Lockon will work with other manufacturers power supplies. However, I just noticed that it is not available in the Lionel Online store anymore and the last catalog it was featured in was the 2017 Big book. :-( Darn! If you're interested you might find a used one for sale somewhere, I recommend it on any O scale layout
The only issue with the Direct Lockon is that it has been known to degrade the DCS signal. If you are running Legacy/TMCC only, that would not be an issue.
While it also has the DCS signal issue, you can get a PSX-AC from Charles Ro with a very fast CB plus additional capabilities for the same cost as the Direct Lockon. If you plan to run DCS you will need to add a 22uH choke like in my lower diagram above (probably not that big).
Unless you have very rusted or oxidized track and switches, I doubt you'll need to change to a dual pickup. Again, they are spread far enough apart.
Hi Ron, thanks, that is a good thing to know about the Lionel lockon and MTH DCS. My layout is all Lionel so I haven't experienced the MTC DCS issue.
The layout is totally command control (TMCC) and all power is supplied by bricks - PowerHouse 180's and PowerHouse 135's.
Ron - your diagrams are exquisite!!! 
The diagram below is a touch out of date, but you get the idea.
All the "bricks" sit on the transformer cart (ex-TV cart). Powerstrips connect everything to 1 ON/OFF switch.
There is a power distribution panel above the bricks. Sheet on the left below lists the 8 power districts (each has its own brick), color code, and wiring conventions. The putty colored power strip at the lower right is the master ON/OFF.
George
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