More confused than ever about which Command System to Buy!!!

This site may be able to answer a lot of your questions about tmcc:

http://www.coilcouplers.com/tmc/tmc.html

 

The least expensive way to get started with tmcc is by buying an older used CAB-1 set and a Powermaster. Search the buy/sell for mum here and eBay. What you need is a tmcc cab-1 (remote), a tmcc base, and a tmcc Powermaster. 

The Powermaster is for controlling conventional trains with the cab-1 remote. 

The new Legacy Powermaster is not compatible with the older tmcc set. 

 

Here is a listing currently on eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lionel...;hash=item48698557f9

 

My recommendation based on what you wrote:  

 

Buy the Lionel #990 Legacy Command Set.

 

Buy it NEW, and buy it from an ESTABLISHED DEALER so you'll have the warranty protection.

 

You'll likely have to wait until the latest shipment of the 990 Set comes available because most every dealer is out of stock on the previous release, but in light of what you already have in the way of trains, a wait of a few more months shouldn't be a problem.

 

With the 990 set, you'll be able to operate all the Lionel trains your have:  Conventional, TMCC, and Legacy (with all the features) with a one-time investment of $400 or less.  That's simply the best solution for the situation you described.  If you can afford to buy new engines, you likely can afford to buy the 990 Set.  Certainly a worthwhile investment over the long term. 

Hi Kenny. I would suggest a Lionel cab1L set to get you started. The added advantage would be you can run TMCC engines in command or a Legacy engine if you decide you want one or find a Good deal on one. I started out with a regular cab-1 to get my feet wet back when I got started and now I have Legacy cab-2 and DCS. "Keep it simple" at first so you don't get frustrated with more complex bells ad whistles. 

Still confused, Kenny? So far you have three different solutions to your problem, all of which are sound advise. However, I would favor our fearless Editor-In-Chief's sage advise. When I returned to the hobby a relatively few short years ago, I too was confused by control system options. I chose Allan's path and have no regrets whatsoever. Best of luck on your quest.

For me I started with the DCS system. Power brick, TIU and hand held.

Then added the CAB1-L. Now I can run everything. ( except Legacy which for now

is not in the future for my small layout. )

 

If you buy the Lionel system first you will need the power master. If you then

buy the DCS system you will no longer need the power master. So if that is

your long term plan then why buy the power master ? you will not need it if

you have the DCS system.

 

Chris is right. Start with one and keep it simple. It's not hard to do and there

are plenty of people to help.

 

Is there a club in your area ? Go see them and get some hands on. Then

all things shall be clear grasshopper...

If you go with a TMCC/Cab1 setup I would get a TPC300 instead of a powermaster. With the TPC you can run MTH proto 2/3 in conventional and still operate the couplers and some sounds. I don't think the powermaster is capable of doing that. Also if you get into legacy down the road you would need another component, forgot what its called, for the powermaster to work. 

The Legacy PowerMaster will work with a CAB-1, CAB-1L or CAB-2 system, (As long as you are using a TMCC base unit if you get a CAB-1.) so this will be a handy device for the future too.

 

The Legacy PowerMaster also allows you to run MTH locomotives in conventional mode, and control the couplers etc.  The Legacy PowerMaster also removes the need to hard-wire anything to the base unit, and has outstanding power protection. These are just two of it's advantages over a TPC unit. It's also a lot cheaper than a TPC.

I tend to not try to outthink the product designers and engineers. I decided to chose one manufacturer's system. Then it should all work.

 

having ridden motorcycles my whole life, you either had a Harley-Davidson or you didn't. So, you have Lionel or you don't. I chose Lionel.

Me too...except BMW and Lionel. Simplifies things...unless it says BMW or Lionel, I only glance at it for unusual content.

Guess I'm a little behind . I didn't know they came out with a legacy powermaster.

Which Legacy engine has the most "bells and whistles" (aka features) and which features will be lost if he uses the CAB-1L vice the 990?

 

I only have 1 Legacy engine (GP9) and have run it (1) conventionally using DCS, (2) with the CAB-1-L/Base1-L, and (3) with the CAB1-L/Base1-L wired thru DCS.  I'm not one that has to have all the "bells and whistles" and what I'm currently hearing/seeing is perfectly fine for me.  I'm not even sure if I'm missing any "bells or whistles" at this point because of the system I have.

 

Having both systems (DCS and TMCC or 990) gives you the ability to run every engine I can think of.  With my setup (DCS & CAB1-L/Base1-L) I can use the DCS handheld and let a friend use the CAB1-L handheld at the same time.

 

I've seen posts that the CAB2 handheld of the Legacy system is awkward to handle. I've seen posts that the DCS handheld thumbwheel is awkward to handle.

I've seen posts that the CAB1 and CAB1-L big red knob is awkward to handle.

 

I think all of the systems has their pluses and minuses.

 

If you're sure you're only going to buy a certain brand then I would stick with that brand for the system.  But sooner or later something will drop in your lap that'll make you wish you had bought both systems.

 

Just think of it this way, instead of buying an engine you don't really need, you can spend that $$$ for the second system.

Hi Kenny, this is one aspect of the hobby you should take your time on and purchase what really makes you happy.  Is there a possibility that you can get your hands on these different options and operate them yourself.  Are there any members of the forum who live near you that use these options, any dealers, etc.?  Another idea is go to YouTube and see the options at work.  But the main thing is take your time and get what is comfortable for you.

 

Steve, Lady and Tex

Hi Kenney,

 

I agree with Alan on getting a new 990.  You will also need a modern power source. So when you get a Legacy engine, it will have the proper fast acting circuit protection to protect against frying your engine when it derails.  Old PW transformers don't have that protection, if you are planning to use an old ZW, for example,  you can add circuit protection,  there have been many threads on the topic to learn how.

 

THe new Lionel ZW L will allow you to run conventional engines using the hand held remote of the command control, or you can just run it with the handles (just don't turn on the command base).

 

Once you mastered the Lionel system, then you can explore adding others. 

 

When you are building your layout understanding that you will have command control, may alter how you wire switches,  I am in the process of placing my switches controllers close to where the switches are on the layout so I can throw them where I stand and not at the central control panel.  So guys are using manual throw switches.

Hope this helps, Dave

 

I have the 990 command base,  while its plug and play for the most part, it will take you some time to learn how to use it 

One point not mentioned, how big is your layout? How many loops? How many feet per loop.  The bigger the layout the more handy command control is.

I have both Legacy and DCS and can run multiple trains per loop.  Generally I will put DCS on one loop and Legacy on the other.  With cruise control it works great! With multiple mfg you get a better variety of sounds.  I definitely prefer Legacy for steam engines, less of a preference for diesel. I also like smaller steam engines and MTH has produced a bigger variety. Lastly, I prefer to run MTH engines with the DCS remote and Legacy with the Cab 2.  

I run all command on my layout, your mileage and enjoyment may vary.

Dan

Get the Cab1-L set. Just over $200. one wire to the track, add batteries to the remote and your in business. As I stated in your other thread it will run every command engine on the market but MTH.

I recommend the Cab1-L set also.   The price of any command system is relatively small compared to the cost of the locos that you will be running.  

 

Perhaps you are not sure how much you want command control?   You might purchase a couple of LionChief Plus locos to try out the whole idea.   They will still work fine later on a layout powered by either DCS or Legacy.  A chance to play around with command control features without requiring a commitment to a specific technology.

I have TMCC, Legacy, and DCS controllers. 99% of the time when I don't have a DCS engine on the tracks I pick up my TMCC Cab1. I like to keep it simple and rarely use the added Legacy features but thats just me.

For conventional I prefer transformers over a Powermaster which I also have. The Powermaster does have the advantage of being able to operate both whistle and bell if you are using older transformers. Newer transformers have the feature built in.

 

Pete

First, go to a local hobby shop that sells Lionel and MTH and has an operating display. Try out the three options, Legacy 990, CAB1L and MTH DCS.

 

Get a feel for how the systems work.

 

If you can't find a hobby shop try going to one of the large train shows, Greenberg is one. There you will most likely find operating layouts using command control. The members of the groups putting on the displays will show you what is required, they might not let you actually run the trains but you never know.

 

Here are your choices:

 

Lionel- Run both command and conventional:

 

Option A:

6-14295 Legacy 990 Base and Remote System pre-order street price $299 when available.

6-37146 Legacy Powermaster list $99.99, street price about $85.00. One per loop of track.

 

Option B:

Substitute for Legacy Powermaster

6-14189 Track Power Controller plus 6-14192 3-wire command base cable about $150.00 street price.

 

Option C:

Substitute for Legacy 990:

6-37147 CAB1L/Base. Street price about $180.00

All options will operate all engines in conventional including MTH.

 

Cost:

Option A : $384.00 plus tax and shipping

Option B : $449.00 plus tax and shipping

Option C : Subtract $100 from options A and B

 

MTH- Run MTH command and Lionel Command and conventional:

 

50-1001 DCS Remote system street price about $300

50-1032 TIU/TMCC-Legacy Connector Cable about $20.00

Lionel 6-37156 Base 1L Command Base about $90.00

 

Cost:

About $410.00 with CAB1L base only.

About $480 with complete CAB1L system.

About $620 with Legacy 990 system.

 

So, there are your choices.

 

Not confusing at all.

 

 

 

 

 

Others have covered everything pretty well, but maybe I can simplify things a little.

 

If you are only going to have Lionel I would say you are down to 2 choices, CAB-1l/Base-1L or Legacy 990 systems.

 

If you are only going to have TMCC engines then the Cab-1L/Base-1L will do everything you need to do.

 

If you ever plan to have a Legacy engine, then I would get the Legacy 990 system. It is Lionel's best system and will run all their equipment and allow you to use all of their features.

 

My personal preference would be the Legacy 990. For an extra $100 or so you are able to run all Lionel equipment and use all their features, so you are set if you ever happen to get a Legacy engine. Which you could easily end up getting someday.

 

Then add the Legacy Powermaster to which ever system you choose and you can run your conventional engines also.

 

What ever system you choose, get it from an authorized Lionel dealer so you will have full warranty. If you purchase from you local train store (if you have one) then you will have somewhere to go if you have questions or need assistance with your new system. And if you do have a local train store, going there to get their advice before your purchase is highly recommended as well (also as others have pointed out above). 

As Allan said if you have time get the Legacy 990 set and to run conventional engines you will need to add the Legacy Powermaster.

In a hurry get the Cab 1L and the Legacy Powermaster

At this point no reason to waste your time on the older original TMCC system

As for the difference in the two Lionel systems using HD as a model. The Cab1-L and Powermaster is an 883 sportster the 990 with the Powermaster is the Electroglide Classic (I work for HD part time )