Layout with Cab1

Jess,

Do you want to control everything (locomotives, switches, operating tracks, etc.) from the remote, or just the locomotives?

Mike

I would like to control everything

jess,

First running the trains (we'll get to switches and operating tracks later):

Because your collection is Postwar, and not Modern, you won't apparently be using any Modern command control locomotives, at least in the short term.  If so, unless you want to buy a Modern-era transformer, you'll need at least one PowerMaster, which is a box that adjusts the track voltage in response to commands from a CAB-1 (or CAB-1L or CAB-2) remote control.  You can think of it as a wireless "throttle" for running postwar engines from the remote, and using power from one of your old transformers with its handle set to full on.

If you're planning on multiple loops, meaning you expect to run more than one train at a time, you'll need one for each loop running a train; and then probably one more for the yard.

(The advantage of command control is that these PowerMasters are not needed, simply applying full voltage,18 VAC, to the track will do the job, because the "throttles" are already there, present inside the locomotives.)

There are several generations of PowerMasters, the newest being the Legacy PowerMaster series.  It has two models: one can supply 180 Watts of power (6-37146, for standard trains, pulling all freight cars, or at most a handful of traditionally-lighted passenger cars), and a second that can provide 360 Watts (6-82883, for big locomotives pulling many such lighted passenger cars.)

Or, you can go back a generation to PowerMasters that are called TPC's.  These are available in 300 (6-14189) or 400 Watt (6-14179).

My best suggestion is to let all of the above sink in before moving on to switches and operating tracks.

Mike

Firstly you do NOT need a PowerMaster bridge with the new legacy PowerMasters. They receive the 455khz track signal from the base.
The 996 PowerMaster is only needed with an original PM and a Legacy base.

Everything else mentioned is good advice. Get trains running first and then move to switches this will be a lot of new information and can be overwhelming. Small bites is good.

my two cents is typically I’d recommend a cab-1L system but seeing as you have a Cab-1 that’ll work too. I also recommend the the new Legacy 180W PM they work great. If you get a TPC for a deal they are also bulletproof. From the sounds of your layout you’ll see want a PM per loop and probably another for the yard area.

as for switches and operating tracks we would need to know what switch machines your using