Make the pluge to TMCC?

Unless you intend on getting a Legacy equipped engine in the near future then the TMCC will be just fine for the moment. The TMCC is a much lower cost entry and will allow you to control any TMCC or legacy equipped locomotive plus DCS cannot currently access any Legacy protocols. This might change in the future but you could always sell off the TMCC and get a Legacy later. Wire in the TMCC as per the instructions and go have fun.

because the cab1 is not longer in production I would recommend the CAB1L and base.

by the way, technically TMCC (train master command control) is any of Lionels command systems. ie: cab1, cab2 or the new cab1L.

I would consider Legacy. If there is ever a chance you will own a Legacy engine (which will probably happen sooner or later), that's the way to go for full operational capability of all Legacy features. Probably about a $90-$100 or less difference in price. Just my opinion, of course.

Legacy sets are going for $299 at some forum advertisers, the Legacy Lite system is going for around $180.  If you have no command system, bite the bullet and get the full Legacy, if you're going Lionel Command, Legacy engines are in your future.

You'll only need the new Command base-L if you want to run your TMCC engines via the DCS remote.  But getting the CAB1-L also gives you 2 handhelds (DCS and CAB1-L) if you want to have 2 operators.  You'll also need a cable between the Command Base and the TIU plus a single wire to the track.

There are certain operations you can't do with the DCS remote on TMCC locomotives.  Configuring ERR stuff and setting stall speeds for TMCC locomotives without cruise control are two that come to mind.  This is due to the fact that there is no emulated SET key.  I was kinda' hoping one of the new DCS upgrades would fix this omission.

If you read his post he indicates he has DCS so that means he has a command system.

You could also just pickup the CAB1L base and that would allow you to control the TMCC engines with your DCS remote.

On the other hand for a hundred dollars more than the full CAB1L system you could get the full Legacy system as has been pointed out by several reaponses.

Well, thanks for all the replys and info. I may as well get the Legacy Set. So I need a cable between the cable between the Command Base and the TUI.

I will read up on what I need to do to set up the system in the O Gauge Companion! 

Now the decision is made, find the best price.

Again Thanks,

Dan

I have a question....besides the 6-12911 TMCC Command Base what else would one need to operate a TMCC locomotive on a DCS only layout ?

I regrettably own 4 TMCC locos (3 Lionel and 1 Atlas) My intention was to only run these conventionally but it such a PITA every time you power them up they start in forward ! I'm also apprehensive to add anything to a flawlessly working DCS layout that has been trouble free for 10 years....is there a lot of wiring involved ?

I have no interest what so ever with Legacy or even the old style controller I would want to use the MTH DCS remote and do not care what functions I would not have available to me....I basically want the TMCC engines to sit still until I tell them to move.

So, what I am looking for is the 990. It has all that I would need except cable to link the base to the TIU.

Right?

Dan

yup that and the cable is all you need

Yes

Thank You Chris !

Well, it's a WHOLE lot easier than setting up DCS, so you shouldn't have a problem.

If that's how you feel, why don't you just sell them and not bother with a separate system?

Good choice. I think the $299 prices offered by some of the OGR forum sponsors will be hard to beat. Good luck with your new Legacy system.

These locos were basically bought a as bundle at York I only got involved because 3 of them are models that MTH does not make 2 are Alco C420s and the other is a FM H10-44...if they were available in the MTH product line I never would have bought them. I like there looks just not there operating characteristics.

I could convert those to PS/2 for you.

If it was me, and if I only owned a few TMCC or Legacy locomotives (I have way more than a few) I would take John up on his offer to convert them to PS2.

On my layout I use both the MTH DCS system and Lionel's Cab-1L/Base-1L system.  I am perfectly happy with both.

Your right Allan...and if I was smart ...and this is something I'm rarely accused of being... I would give those engines to John to convert instead of going to York this October to spend money to just buy more crap that I do not need anyway.

I own 4 TMCC locos and 72 PS2/3 locos...something to think about.

John besides the 3 Lionel locos with TMCC can this Atlas loco be converted ?

Should be possible.  The basic requirements are dc motor(s) with a flywheel for the tach tape.  Other than that, you just have to fit the PS/2 boards in, but that's possible in all but the smallest locomotives.  I wouldn't try to put one in the RMT BEEP, but anything bigger is usually no problem.

Thanks for your input and info John...I am going to give your idea some serious thought.

One other option is the CAB1L base and the connector cable. Cost about $100. Then you could run the TMCC engines in command with your DCS remote.

The TMCC engines would not have been modified and you could just sell them in the future if you wanted. My guess is the cost to convert would not be a good investment. The kits alone are about $200 each not to mention the installation cost. You are looking at about $1000 plus shipping to convert all four.

$100 sounds better!

Bob,  The Atlas can be converted and MTH smoke added too.  I have done several for customers.  The Atlas is a very smooth running engine and well worth the upgrade.

The Lionel TMCC can not be pulmore motor.  Must be DC can motor driven for the upgrade.  G