Can MTH PS3 engines be run conventionally with Lionel TMCC--command base, powermaster and Cab 1?
Doug
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Yes, if you are referring to the current incarnation of the powermaster (or TPCs). The original powermaster from 1994 or so may not work
all that well. PS1 and, if I recall correctly, PS2, did not play well with the original powermaster.
So I can replace my original Powermaster with a Legacy Powermaster and I'm good to go?
Doug
Yep, that will do it.
I have the original Powermaster on my layout (as well as a TPC400), and I don't run conventional much, but my Powermaster has a problem only with PS1 units, and it will run these - but the Proto-sound portion is quiet or funky in its nature (crazy chuffing; bell/whistle confusion or silence)
My experience, further:
The TPC400 will run PS1 just fine.
The old Powermaster and TPC400 will run PS2 and PS3 just fine. I don't have much PS3.
I have a couple of old, old PS1 locos still not upgraded to ERR - Premier ATSF 4-8-4 and Southern Ps-4 4-6-2 - that will run only on a Lionel Post War transformer, regardless of the throttle (P'master/TPC400). They won't even run on a Z-1000 using the Z-1000 throttle. Lionel 1033? Fine.
This whole area of early compatibilities is rife with variations.
Thanks, guys.
Doug
I am not sure how PS-3 will do with TMCC. However I know that the Lionel CW-80 transformer can not be used with MTH PS-2 engines as it causes them to act crazy and stay in one place, made that mistake one time at a friend's house.
It should be possible to run MTH PS-2 engines with most Lionel transformers in the regular mode only. Lionel's TMCC and MTH PS-2 don't work together unless you have both systems hooked up together.
Lee
