Legacy vs tmcc powermaster question(s)

Just to point out that there are 180 Watt Legacy Powermasters SKU: 6-37146 and have a 135/180 switch next to their inputs.

Now, getting to some more details on the pros to the Legacy Powermasters over TMCC:

• 200 speed steps
• Conventional control macros, including access to many MTH locomotive features
• Improved circuit breaker
• No need for the slow powermaster bridge
• Will come with warranty (if new)

There is a 360W version as well! (https://ogrforum.com/...w-legacy-powermaster)

A

I would steer clear of the original PowerMaster. I highly recommend any of the newer LEGACY PM’s either the 180 or 360W depending on your needs. If your wanting to check the used market then also look for either of the IC Controls/ Lionel TPC’s (Track Power Controller) these things are practically indestructible, but do require a wired serial connection from the Legacy base.

If you buy the original TPCs at a decent price, they are excellent but need the extra cable to go with your legacy base and you need to run 2 wires from the 1st TPC com and dat ports to each one thereafter.
I use TPCs on my set up and they will run ANY 3 rail engine made from 1900 and on with a cab1 or a cab2 whether it is a conventional or a command engine.

I love using the TMCC Powermasters to run conventional locomotives.  The old CAB-1 remotes talk directly to the TMCC Powermasters so no command base needed, which also allows TMCC and Legacy locomotives to run conventionally.  But they do have issues with older MTH PS-1 locomotives, but there is a simple fix.  As long as you aren't trying to run 4 long passenger trains with smoke on the 135 watts is plenty.  So I prefer the older TMCC Powermasters over the newer Legacy ones.  But then I do have a ZW-C as well that I use on my layout.  I use the TMCC Powermasters for running trains under the Christmas tree and other times around on the floor.

@sinclair posted:

... they do have issues with older MTH PS-1 locomotives, but there is a simple fix.

Sinclair,

What's the simple fix?

(I know that there's a fix for TPC's but it's not simple.)

Mike

Thanks for all the input on this. Prob will come down to economics, if it is cost effective to go with the powermasters or simply bite the bullet and go with the ZW-L, I'll need to price it out. Thanks everyone for their help, appreciate it.

@Mellow Hudson Mike posted:

Sinclair,

What's the simple fix?

(I know that there's a fix for TPC's but it's not simple.)

Mike

I'd have to look for the details, but gunrunner John knows it, it's a bi-directional cap across the output on the TMCC Powermaster.  Once I did that I could run all my MTH PS-1 locomotives all day long without issues.  I just don't remember what the specs the cap needs to be, but it has to be bi-directional or else it'll burn up after a while.  You just screw int eh leads the same time you screw in the track wires and you're set.

@sinclair posted:

I'd have to look for the details, but gunrunner John knows it, it's a bi-directional cap across the output on the TMCC Powermaster.  Once I did that I could run all my MTH PS-1 locomotives all day long without issues.  I just don't remember what the specs the cap needs to be, but it has to be bi-directional or else it'll burn up after a while.  You just screw int eh leads the same time you screw in the track wires and you're set.

Thanks for the detailed response.  What you're describing is the hardware fix.

The reason I asked is because there is also a software update that was applied to the older TPC design to add several MTH-related features, at least one of which has to do with ensuring that PS1 locomotives come out of the reset state (the state entered after powerup) successfully.

When Lionel bought the product line from IC Controls it's my understanding is that this update was being installed in current production before the transfer.  It is definitely in the Lionel manufactured versions made afterwards.

And then there was a period after the transfer when some folks were apparently lucky enough to have their older IC Controls TPC's updated by IC Controls' Lou Kovach if they contacted him about it.

Click here for more details:

    IC Controls TPC vs Lionel TPC | ANTHONY

I have several the early ones, including some that could benefit from Lou's update, if I can find out where to get it in today's world.  In my opinion these are the most economical, because you can currently find them at lower prices.

Adding the hardware fix is only a slight roadblock.  Getting Lou's update is probably a little harder.

Mike