New Layout - guidance on control system

To answer the last question about running a TMCC loco with a ZW: yes, it will work.

Here's a possibility for your set-up. I use a similar set-up for my own layout (with a Lionel 180W Brick instead of a ZW, but it works the same way):

1.) Control system: a TMCC Set w/ Cab1 Remote, a Cab1L/Base1L Set, or the New Base-3 (coming soon!) and a Cab1L Remote (I use a Legacy #990 which is very hard to find for a good price)

2.) Legacy Powermasters/PM Adapter Cables (1 pair per loop of track): these will allow you to use your remote to run conventional trains or your TMCC ATSF F3s; The Adapter Cables connect your ZW to the PMs

3.) The toggle switches for the blocks will allow the operation of conventional or TMCC locos on both loops (not at the same time of course)

4.) ZW will provide power to both loops of track and any accessories/switches you might have; use acc. outputs for those

With this set-up, you get all the enjoyment of conventional operation with all the advantages of command control like the walk-around capability.

Dylan's right on track, but I'm going to add a third option.  Here's a diagram:

In addition to conventional control in a traditional fashion (via adjusting track voltage using the ZW's throttle handle) you can also do conventional via a handheld remote (a Cab-1, CAB-1L, Cab-2, or SmartPhone app) if you add both the corresponding command set and a PowerMaster.  The PowerMaster's job is to replicate the voltage-based control of an old-fashioned transformer but to control it by the red knob on the handheld remote instead of the handle on the transformer.

So, using a three position switch, or actually six of them (one for each block), you can select between three options, and do so for each block.  Here are the options:

1. Conventional Control via Transformer Handle (switch position '1' in my drawing) -- Voltage to track varies using ZW's Throttle Handle 'A'.
2. Command Control (switch position '2' in my drawing) -- Voltage to track is set to 18 VAC and left there.  Command signal from the handheld remote (Cab-x) carries throttle rotation from its red knob to the locomotive for direct radio control.
3. Conventional Control via Red Knob on Handheld Remote (switch position '3' in my drawing) --  Voltage to track varies using PowerMaster, which is controlled by a radio link from the Handheld Remote (Cab-x) to the PowerMaster.

Be aware that you can run one train conventionally with this setup, via switch positions '1' (at the transformer) or '3' (walking around), and simultaneously one or more in command mode (TMCC or Legacy) using switch position '2'.  However you'll need to adjust your three-position switches to provide the appropriate feed, either conventional or command, required by the respective locomotives as the trains pass through the blocks.  This means that there will be much flipping of these switches as the trains roll around the layout.  Unfortunately it's manual -- not automatic.

Don't forget the 10 Amp fuses, or substitute fast circuit breakers.  Modern trains with electronics require the protection.

Most of what's on the diagram is shared among all six blocks.  Only the three position switch and the blue block feed wire coming from it need to be replicated six times, one for each block.

If you add another transformer or PowerMaster, and bump the switches up to four-positions each, you could run two trains conventionally at a time, and still do any number of command controlled trains at the same time.

You can see the power of command control.

BTW - 6-11711 Santa Fe F-3 A-B-A's are not command controlled.  Despite being relatively new, and fairly heavily electronic, they are conventionally controlled.  Horn and Bell will be controlled by the corresponding buttons on your transformer.  If your using a ZW there is no Bell button and you'll have to add an external one to get the bell to ring.

Mike

Thank you, this is great information and likely the way I will set it up. I did have a follow up question:

1. If I put the entire main line #1 (all 6 blocks) on position #1 or #3 I can run as many conventional locos as the fuse will handle recognizing they will all see the same voltage and run at their own speed, correct?

2.  If I put the entire main line #2 (all 6 blocks) on position #2, I can run multiple command control locos from handhelds?

@Andy S posted:

Thank you, this is great information and likely the way I will set it up. I did have a follow up question:

1. If I put the entire main line #1 (all 6 blocks) on position #1 or #3 I can run as many conventional locos as the fuse will handle recognizing they will all see the same voltage and run at their own speed, correct?  Yes.  They'll all respond identically to any throttle movement, whistle/horn button push, or bell button push.  For instance, if you throttle down they'll all slow down simultaneously.  Likewise when you throttle up they'll all speed up simultaneously.  The problem is that different locomotives, even if the same model, don't all do things at the same rate and so one is likely to crash into the back of the another while your controlling them this way.   Unlike using command control you have no way to adjust them individually to tweak their speeds so that they don't accidentally run into each other.

2.  If I put the entire main line #2 (all 6 blocks) on position #2, I can run multiple command control locos from handhelds?  Yes.  One or more handhelds in fact, depending on how comfortable you are in using the buttons on a single remote to switch back and forth among all the command locomotives while they're running.  Some of us have become very good at this; you may too.  And, as an added bonus you can tweak their speeds individually so that they all cooperate nicely.

Mike