Legacy and conventional equipment.

someone will correct me if I am wrong.

 once you hook up the legacy system you will not beable to run your conventional engines with out a TPC. (I believe I read this some place but can not find it.) 

if you do not have a TPC you will have to disconnect the legacy.

go here and view the legacy videos from lionel;

http://www.lionel.com/CustomerService/service-documents/index.cfm?type=supplement&doAction=search&product=6-14295&productNumber=

If you are going to run conventional until you get Legacy you are thinking along the right lines. The Gargraves switches with the DZ-2500 machines will work by using the switch that is provided with them in a control panel. You can also wire the derail feature up. When you are ready for Legacy you will have to buy a couple of extra items besides the Legacy 990 system. From Z-stuff you will need the data wire driver. This will allow you to hook the data wire from the DZ-2500 machines to the Legacy base. You will also need a TPC-400 or TPC-300 track power controller. With these 2 items you will be able to run conventional trains and switch the switches with the Legacy remote. This is the bare minimum items needed to run one conventional train at a time. If you have wired your layout for multiple blocks for running more than one train you will need to add a Block Power Controller and or another TPC-400 to the list. This will get you multiple conventional train operation. if you jump right into all TMCC control the TPCs and BPCs are not required. Wiring wise Legacy will adapt to just about any wiring system quite well.

Ron

You may also need Dale's serial port booster for the Legacy base, the DZ-2500 has been specifically identified as having a problem drawing too much current from the Legacy serial port.

Thanks for the info guys. At least I don't have to worry at this time about taking any special steps for future Legacy addition.

John - thanks for the tip about the booster. I looked it up and found his site.

Matt

Gentlemen, Gentlemen, Gentlemen! When are you going to get off this TPC kick. You DO NOT need a TPC or Powermaster to run conventional engines with TMCC or Legacy. You only need these devices IF and only IF you must run them with the remote. Your regular variable voltage transformer will work quite nicely with TMCC.

Al

Who doesn't want to run with the remote?

Me!

Well, there's simply something wrong with you Dale!

once you go remote you will not go back!  in my opinion.