Legacy newb question.

unless you have a new Lionel ZW you will still need the TPC to run conventional.  any transformer or brick (power pack) will work.

What are you using for power now?

As mentioned, the TPC, or a Legacy Powermaster.  There's one left for sale on the OGR Forum right now.

If you have a ZW-C (6-32930) or a ZW-L you can control track voltage with the big red knob on the cab2 remote or run conventional.

Watch from 15:20 of the ZW-C product video

If you are going to be running any quantity of PS/2 locomotives, I'd recommend getting the full DCS system.  By the time you get a couple of TPC's, you can have the command operation for the DCS locomotives for the same price.  Also, the DCS system gives you two 10A capable variable channels as part of the package.

 

I don't have any ps2 engines at this time but have one I for sure want to get updated eventually.

As for dcs, is anything extra needed to run tmcc or legacy engines? Is one system better than the other or is it personal choice? I have pretty much stuck with lionel engines in the past but right now I have more ps1 engines. I had to sell off most of my collection when times got rough and I'm looking to build it back up now.

BOTH systems are very good. Each has features that are missing in the other which is why most of us will recommend eventually getting both. Another thought to consider is selling your PS1 engines outright as there is still a decent market for them with conventional operators. You will find that the cost of the PS2/3 kit plus installation might be more than you want to spend as opposed to buying the newer version of your engine with PS2 or PS3. The newer pieces generally have more detail, lighting, and the like that are desirable.

Take you time and weight your options!

Thanks for all the replies so far!

The two pieces I would upgrade have more sentimental value than anything else so I'm willing to spend the money to upgrade. They are the first trains I bought in memory of my grandpa and great grandpa. A mth n&w class a and a weaver cincinnatian.

Time will be the factor on purchasing another system. Quite honestly I didn't need the legacy system but I'm wanting to have the availability to get the most out of the engines I get in the future. I don't have any legacy engines at this time but plan on getting a n&w j and n&w y3 in legacy.

Either of those could be converted to TMCC or PS/2, so you're probably good there.  Since you already have Legacy, it's logical to consider converting them to TMCC.