Legacy Power Choice?

Will you really have the need to run conventional engines? I have the option with my portable power table, using a ZW-C, that is easily disconnected and removed for transportation, but, I haven't run conventional engines.

So, I am rethinking that just the bricks are all that is needed. You would need a powermaster for each track that you want to have the conventional option.

I do run conventional once in while.

That's a good solution, but if you want to run DCS stuff, the TIU will give you conventional capability and the ability to run PS2/3 stuff as well.

Lionel powerhouses are great, good power with a superfast breaker to protect your trains.

I use a 180w brick with a TPC unit, even does a great job of running MTH locos conventionally, couplers bell and whistle all accessable via the cab 2 buttons.

If I understand correctly the legacy powermaster replaces the TPC unit.

Just to clarify a bit on Moonmans statement, one powermaster will work for an entire layout as long as the tracks are electrically connected.

 Only totally independent loops will need seperate powermasters.

Rob,

    IMO Guns is partly right, you will eventually want to run both Legacy & DCS, and you already have the one Legacy matching ZW-L.  My recommendation is to add at least 1 MTH Z4K with side receiver, 2 Z4K's would even be better, opens up all kinds of different running options for all your different kinds of trains, from the hand held DCS remote control.  Add 2 old ZW's for accessories and switches (when needed), this will give you max power & train running options for your bigger Legacy/DCS layouts.  Running in this manner you do not need a power master at all, your conventional engines operate from the DCS HHRC, as do all others.  If you have FasTracks, your Legacy Cab2 controls all your Command Control Switches also, right from track power till you have over 99 low voltage switches on your layout.

PCRR/Dave