Legacy and Conventional Operation

Also, I would be fine running the conventional engines straight from the ZW-80.  It is a very small layout and running the conventional engines with a remote would not be much benefit to this layout. 

Maddog417 posted:

I have recently started back into O gauge trains.  It has become more complicated since my last adventure. 

I have a small Christmas layout made out of fastrak.  I am wanting to run several conventional engines and a TMCC/Legacy engine on the layout.  I was thinking of purchasing the legacy system to get the full benefit of the TMCC/Legacy engine.  I am currently powering the layout with a ZW-80.  I am very confused on how to move forward.  Do I need to use a Powermaster, TPC, or Direct Lionel TMCC lockon?  It is one small loop, and I will only be running one train at a time.  I have read through many of the posts on here, but I am still not sure how to proceed.  I want to make sure before I spend a bunch of money on these devices. 

Thanks in advance for any help.

I assume you mean a CW-80.  You don't need to add anything other than Legacy as long as you don't want to run the conventional engines from the Legacy remote. 

If you do, then I would suggest a Legacy Powermaster added into the mix.  The powermaster will allow you to vary the voltage to the track from the Legacy remote to operate the conventional engines from the remote.  It will  go between the power source, CW-80, and the track.  When you run Legacy engines, just increase the voltage all the way up and then operate the Legacy engine.

If you want to run conventional locomotives and you're happy with the ZW-80, it's fine.  To run command locomotives with that setup, you only need the TMCC or Legacy command system added.  The reason for the Powermaster or TPC is if you want to run conventional stuff from the TMCC or Legacy remote.  If you're happy with transformer control for conventional operation, those aren't necessary.  IMO, there are better choices for power protection than the TMCC Direct Lockon, but that's a whole other conversation.

Yes I am sorry the CW-80.  Great information.  I was reading about engines getting fried from shorts.  I was going to add at least the direct lock on or something to protect things.  I believe I also should add the TVS to protect the circuit boards.  One more thing I want to ask.  To run the convectional engines with the CW-80 with the legacy connected, will it hurt the legacy system if I use the throttle control on the CW-80 for the conventional engines?  Or do I need to disconnect the legacy system when running the conventional trains?

Thanks for all the advice. 

Maddog417 posted:

To run the convectional engines with the CW-80 with the legacy connected, will it hurt the legacy system if I use the throttle control on the CW-80 for the conventional engines?  Or do I need to disconnect the legacy system when running the conventional trains?

 

Thanks for all the advice. 

Nope.  The Legacy system will not be affected.  Just leave it connected.

Thank You for all the help.

You do have to turn it off

cjack posted:

You do have to turn it off

Why?  If he's running conventional engines the Legacy system has no effect on them.  Now if he wants to run his Legacy engines in conventional you would but if you have the Legacy system why would you ever want to do that?

If you find your empire expanding or just want the freedom to run your Christmas loop from the comfort of your armchair or sofa -- consider adding a Track Power Controller (TPC) to your existing set up.  They install easily and let you run conventional or TMCC/Legacy engines with a Cab1 or Cab2 respectively.  I have two TPC 400's for sale in EX condition (virtually new, they just sat on a shelf under my layout, not even dusty and work great) with original boxes and manuals for only $150 each (MSRP = $230).  Click here to see a brief video of a TPC400 in action.  To see them and other items for sale please see the attached list.  Thanks, good luck, happy upcoming holidays, and have fun running your trains.

Buy a Legacy powermaster and put it between the transformer and track. You will have option of running either type of operation plus you will be able to operate MTH engines in conventional mode.

What he says!

Ok thanks for all the help.  I do plan on starting a much larger layout for the basement.  I will need some help on the power and items needed for that layout.   it will be 3 loops.  The layout will prolly be 16x8.  I was going to get track laid then start asking about power and protection for the layout.    I appreciate all the advice.  This hobby has become a little overwhelming for someone that was used to the trains going forward and reverse.  Thanks again for the help

Overwhelming, but lots of fun.

Yes.  I have to admit, I forgot how awesome these big trains are. 

When I finally get my grandson's train track finished, ran into a snag, I will run it using my DCS remote.  I know you asked about Legacy, but my point is that you can run conventional only locomotives, and boy is his ever conventional, as long as you have the ability to power the track using a variable power output.  DCS, like Legacy, uses internal software to manage the power output to a track system.  In DCS terms, you have fixed and variable output ports.  I simply hooked his transformer to my track interface box through a variable in port, then ran wire from the track to the box using the output side of that same variable port.  Now when you power up the system, since his transformer is plugged in, you can turn the dial slowly to the right and his train will move like it always has.  However, since I entered his track into the remote, I can select that track and using my remote, I can increase or decrease the power with my remotes selection wheel, which is what I use to speed up or slow down my engines.

This is a very interesting read, with a lot of really good information.  I would like to be perfectly understanding of the setup, so as newbie as well, I create my 2 loop track with switches and I then add a TMCC Legacy with a TPC 400(or 300) connected to my transformer, can I run a legacy train on the outer loop and a conventional train on the inner loop at the same time?  I also believe 2 remotes would be needed.  It is overwhelming, which is what makes it FUN.  just a ton of confusing information.

@Quicktrigger59 posted:

This is a very interesting read, with a lot of really good information.  I would like to be perfectly understanding of the setup, so as newbie as well, I create my 2 loop track with switches and I then add a TMCC Legacy with a TPC 400(or 300) connected to my transformer, can I run a legacy train on the outer loop and a conventional train on the inner loop at the same time?  

Yes. You wouldn't need 2 remotes either. A TPC unit gets its own address I.E. TR1 or whatever you choose. You simply address your CC locomotive to run it or  address TR1 to control your conventional locomotive. You can switch back and forth. This is called "transitional command control".

The only drawback is you limitied to the voltage your giving your conventional engine. CC locomotives prefer higher voltages . Ideally, you would get your conventional locomotive running first, Then you would address your CC locomotive and get it going.

Then you can toggle between the CC locomotive and the TPC unit to operate the whistles etc.

Technically you could run both on the same trcak prvide you could get your conventional locomotive up to speed before it rearends the CC operated train.