New to O Gauge looking for affordable command control

If Legacy is cost prohibitive, older TMCC is not a bad option. Fairly reliable and plenty of affordable engines available on the used market. Plus, the Cab-1 and TMCC command base will run newer Lionchief Plus 2.0 (gotta be Plus AND 2.0).  I bought into TMCC about 15 years ago and have been pleased.

You could simply buy some Lionchief Plus or Lionchief Plus 2.0 engines without the Cab-1 and Command base. They provide exactly the command features you want, nothing else, using the Lionchief remote.

Lionchief without the Plus doesn't get you couplers, not sure about the other features.

I have a Cab 1L for added Legacy feature access. 1L's remotes will work with the new Base 3 when it is released too. LionChief 2.0 can be controlled with the supplied or universal remote, or the LionChief App. No other hardware is required. The Cab1L will control them as well.

I also have a MTH remote commander for my DCS engines.

Bob

If you want the newer legacy locomotives they can run on Bluetooth from your smartphone or tablet. Don’t know what year they came out with the Bluetooth but some used ones are available and they have the Bluetooth symbol on the box. Then when the base3 comes out you will be ready for it

There's a reason why there are so many out there at low prices.  I was never a fan of the original TMCC.  Control was pretty vague, and limited to 32 speed steps.  Depending on the loco, you're probably not going to experience the realistic slow-speed performance that Legacy users enjoy.  I think the CAB-1L might be ok if the BASE-3 were already on the market; it's definitely in the pipeline.  But if you don't already own the locos, you're not locked in to any manufacturer's system.

How comfortable are you with installing the command boards yourself?  There are third-party R/C options like Blunami, Ring Engineering's RailPro, and Airwire by CVP Products.  The latter two have physical hand-held controllers.  You could buy "conventional" DC-motored locos, or command controlled locos with defective boards.  Gut them, and install one of these systems.  You will need to add a "helper circuit" that converts the track AC to regulated DC voltage these systems are expecting.  There are several threads on the Forum discussing this approach.

Also, how much room do you have for a layout?  THAT, more than anything else, should inform your choice of "scale" 1:48 vs. "traditional-sized" LionChief, etc.  I have a couple of LionChief Plus (not 2.0) which were sold bundled with their own crude remote control.  It's simple to use, and they do run very smoothly (better than 1st-gen TMCC in my opinion.)  You're actually in a good position, but look before you leap!

Personally, I do not think you can go wrong with the TMCC CAB1 and base.  Lionel, Atlas, Kline and 3rd Rail have been offering locomotives with TMCC for over 20 years and there is a LOT of it available at bargain prices.  I have the Legacy set up and there are features that are nice extras but I still have the TMCC set up along with the Legacy so many times I find myself using the CAB1 because it is so easy to use.  I also like to keep them around because they are much better for children.  I applaud Lionel for designing their command system so that the original command system will still run even the most recent engine offerings.  I have been involved with Lionels command control for over 25 years and in all those years, I only know of one controller that has failed and no bases.

I do not think you will find a less expensive way to get into command control.

If you are buying off eBay or any where else for the matter,  make sure the Lionel power supply for the command base is included.  They are had find.

Good luck with your decision and happy railroading,

Don

Get a TMCC CAB1 and enjoy!

I agree with everyone.  Lowest cost is to pick up a TMCC system.  Everything you mentioned you wanted to do; you can do with it.  When the Base 3 comes out you can upgrade.   

If you can find a Cab1-L Base & Remote, get those instead but the bases are hard to find and usually overpriced like the Legacy system. 

This will get you into TMCC and you'll have fun.  Base 3 won't be out for a while yet.   Plus, it is always good to have a backup system.

Post on the wanted section in the forum and someone may give you a good deal on one to get started.

@ursmacher54 posted:

Hello,

   I’ve been wanting to setup a permanent layout for some time and finally have the space and time to do it. I thought about HO because of the universal DCC control but I just don’t think I’ll enjoy the smaller size. So my question is what’s the most affordable way to get into O Gauge with some command control? I don’t have the funds for a full Legacy system and in my reading it sounds like MTH is very much up in the air with their command system. I have found a lot of Lionel and Atlas engines with TMCC installed. I’m not sure how many functions/features TMCC equipped engines have but I’m essentially only looking for speed, sound and smoke, bell, whistle, and remote couplers would be nice. Passenger and freight announcements aren’t necessary but would be a bonus. I can pick up the Lionel TMCC CAB-1 command base and remote for a few hundred bucks on EBay. Will this do what I’m looking for with the TMCC Lionel and Atlas equipped engines? Can I just hook a power pack up to this and hook it to the track and go? I’m just overwhelmed with the multiple control options and pricing! I would probably get an MTH remote commander or DCS Explorer and add that as well so I can have some control over some MTH Proto 2 & 3 engines. That seems like the most affordable way to get some command and getting started. Am I missing something? Will this work? Thank you!

IMHO, the most affordable way is with Lionel Lionchief ("LC"); Lionchief Plus ("LC+"); or Lionchief Plus 2.0 ("LC+2.0") engines that are compatible with either a Universal Remote (separate purchase) or Bluetooth operation via the free Lionel App.

Of course, part of the answer to your question depends upon the level of detail, scale, realism and features you want because factory equipped TMCC engines tend to have more of those (although the LC+2.0 engines are very nice), so the choice is basically yours.

Below is a list of features for comparison.

Check the for-sale forum right here at OGR, plenty of good deals on TMCC and even Legacy locomotives.

@Richie C. posted:

IMHO, the most affordable way is with Lionel Lionchief ("LC"); Lionchief Plus ("LC+"); or Lionchief Plus 2.0 ("LC+2.0") engines that are compatible with either a Universal Remote (separate purchase) or Bluetooth operation via the free Lionel App.

Of course, part of the answer to your question depends upon the level of detail, scale, realism and features you want because factory equipped TMCC engines tend to have more of those (although the LC+2.0 engines are very nice), so the choice is basically yours.

Below is a list of features for comparison.

  

Good points. LC, LC+, and LC+2 do not require a command base, so there's a simplicity to them that's a benefit. Put them o the track, turn on the voltage as if they were conventional engines, and control with the remote. The universal remote solves the complaint that each engine requires a dedicated remote.

On the flip side, however, newer LC+ and especially LC+2 engines tend to cost more than their predecessors with TMCC.

Not a cost benefit, but TMCC offers more variety from this perspective. If you want a specific engine and roadname but can't find it with TMCC or LC+/LC+2, you can buy a conventional for about $100 and use ERR components to turn it into TMCC. I've done that with 4-5 Williams engines.

Thank you everyone for your help! I’m definitely not opposed to LionChief and LionChief plus locomotives. I just like the idea of the TMCC setup because it opens up the availability of used equipment among quite a few manufacturers. I just can’t spend $1500-$2000+ for a locomotive. I will check the forum to see what’s available.

@ursmacher54 posted:

Thank you everyone for your help! I’m definitely not opposed to LionChief and LionChief plus locomotives. I just like the idea of the TMCC setup because it opens up the availability of used equipment among quite a few manufacturers. I just can’t spend $1500-$2000+ for a locomotive. I will check the forum to see what’s available.

You should be able to find working used TMCC locomotives in Traditional, not Scale (fewer details, not 1:48 scale) for under $250, about half the price of an LC+2.0. 

Steer clear of LC without the plus if you want electrocouplers.

PS3 locomotives have a built in decoder. So buy PS3 locomotives and a DCC system, flip the switch in the locomotive to "DCC" and go.

The availability of these proprietary systems is sporadic at best.

Another alternative is to buy any locomotive you want (used), rip out the guts and install Bluerail+Loksound or a Blunami decoder and a AC/DC bridge, then run it with your phone.

My layout is wired for DCS (TIU/AIU/WiFi) with Legacy tied in. Both systems are outstanding. That said, I do not share the concern of some who feel "MTH is very much up in the air with their command system". Both MTH and Atlas use PS3, and MTH tries to maintain a supply of replacement boards.

My 2 cents...

@raising4daughters posted:

Good points. LC, LC+, and LC+2 do not require a command base, so there's a simplicity to them that's a benefit. Put them o the track, turn on the voltage as if they were conventional engines, and control with the remote. The universal remote solves the complaint that each engine requires a dedicated remote.

On the flip side, however, newer LC+ and especially LC+2 engines tend to cost more than their predecessors with TMCC.

Not a cost benefit, but TMCC offers more variety from this perspective. If you want a specific engine and roadname but can't find it with TMCC or LC+/LC+2, you can buy a conventional for about $100 and use ERR components to turn it into TMCC. I've done that with 4-5 Williams engines.

All good points, too. But buying a used TMCC engine comes with its own set of potential problems versus buying a new LC version engine, which is what I was suggesting. Lionel first made TMCC engines in 1994 and stopped production in 2006, so this newbie could end up with at best a 17 year old engine or at worst an almost 30 year old engine. Not to say that well cared for trains can't last a long time, or that new engines can't have their own set of QC issues, but at least there's a manufacturer's warranty as opposed to having to deal with a private seller. In addition, many parts for older engines are no longer available.

Like used cars, when you buy a used train, you don't know what you're getting and somebody just getting into the hobby might feel more comfortable with new product until they get some more knowledge and experience (from the Forum, of course).

@Boilermaker1 posted:

Another alternative is to buy any locomotive you want (used), rip out the guts and install Bluerail+Loksound or a Blunami decoder and a AC/DC bridge, then run it with your phone.

@Ted S posted:

How comfortable are you with installing the command boards yourself?  There are third-party R/C options like Blunami, Ring Engineering's RailPro, and Airwire by CVP Products.  The latter two have physical hand-held controllers.  You could buy "conventional" DC-motored locos, or command controlled locos with defective boards.  Gut them, and install one of these systems.  You will need to add a "helper circuit" that converts the track AC to regulated DC voltage these systems are expecting.

For this OP I can't agree with either of you.  Not bad ideas in most ways, but not for a newbie.

1. "Ripping everything out" and replacing it with something of identical complexity but done a different way, is not an affordable proposition in itself unless you can buy them at a reasonable price already converted.  Unfortunately such opportunities are very rare.   eBay is an excellent place to look for several reasons, but you won't find any there.
2. Doing it yourself is less expensive, but you need deep skills to do so.  If you don't (yet) have them, and you have to farm out the upgrade, this adds even more expense to the situation.

We probably should stick with things that newbies can do successfully and affordably because that's what was requested by the OP.

Mike

Yeah changing out boards  is way above my skill level. I appreciate all the feedback; It’s definitely been helpful. It’s just overwhelming with all of the different operating systems. I like to “play” with the trains so conventional operation isn’t that appealing to me. Lionel’s LionChief offerings are definitely nice and affordable but there’s a bunch of nice MTH units out there that I’d have to buy another system for. It just gets really expensive real quick. That’s the best thing about HO, DCC is the same regardless of who’s name is on the product.

"That’s the best thing about HO, DCC is the same regardless of who’s name is on the product."  But the size is tiny and the expense about the same for many products.  If you like the size and choice of products, you may be better off with HO.  Three rail O gauge offers size, operating accessories and very easy to use command control (referring to LionChief, TMCC, and to lesser extent Legacy, and to an even lesser extent DCS).  No one who isn't a techie would describe DCC in HO as easy to use, in my view.  It is pretty reliable as far as I can tell.  Remember that Lionel stuff, in particular,  is primarily designed for people who like "toy" trains, including children.  That's not true of HO in the least. 

Another vote for a Cab1/Command Base. While Lionchief is more affordable you are limited to semi scale engines most based on Post War. TMCC gives you a choice of Semi or full scale, plus more manufacturers to choose from and it will still run Legacy engines. 99% of the time I pick up my Cab1 to run Legacy even though I have a Cab2 as well.

Pete

IMO, the answer depends on the type of engines you prefer, the size and complexity of your track plan, and how many you plan to run simultaneously.  As others have stated, Lionel in particular has a range of locomotive prices and options, and their control systems are fairly easy to set up.  If you're happy with the lesser-detailed locos with fewer features, then LC or LC+ are fine.

MTH locos are out (due to the difficulty finding DCS components) unless you want to run PS-3 with DCC.  Doing so would prevent you from running most equipment from other manufacturers.

Speaking as someone who has dabbled in all of the systems which have been mentioned but isn't an expert in any one of them, I will say that they all have their quirks.  If you're not building a huge layout and don't plan to run more than 2 or 3 locos at the same time, DCC (whether in O or HO) isn't difficult to set up or use, and the components are readily available from many sources.  DCC becomes complex only when you have a lot of track or you want to support a lot of operators.

@DGJONES posted:

...If you are buying off eBay or any where else for the matter,  make sure the Lionel power supply for the command base is included.  They are had find...

This is excellent advice - the power supply for TMCC looks like a common wall wart, but it isn't - it is specially grounded.  There is a workaround, but better to get the proper item when you're just starting out.

I thought long and hard about HO but I know the wiring is more complex and I just can’t imagine trying to move freight around and manually trying to uncouple those small couplers every time. I know some have control couplers but it’s not that common. One question I do have about the TMCC unit is the single wire that comes out of the base to hook to the outside rail, should I run that to a terminal block or bus wire and add drops along the layout to improve signal?

@ursmacher54 posted:

I thought long and hard about HO but I know the wiring is more complex and I just can’t imagine trying to move freight around and manually trying to uncouple those small couplers every time. I know some have control couplers but it’s not that common.

Not sure why you think that the wiring is more complex.  Plus you have a very large selection of control systems to choose from.  An NCE starter set is under $200.  HANDHELD.          And there is no endless waiting for new WiFi only overpriced proprietary MTH or Lionel control systems to arrive or pay through the nose for used ones because the tech is NOT open source.

in addition to the fact that the tech is open source making DIY control systems very inexpensive to build.

As far as the couplers go you can get a Kadee between the rails magnet.  One is for Code 100 and a thinner one for Code 83.   They are less than $10.  You simply cut away some railroad ties and drop it in.  To operate it you park the coupled cars couplers over the magnet and move it back slightly.  That uncouples it.  Then you move forward slightly and the front car is free.  If you want to move the cars somewhere else but not coupled you back the car up to the other coupler (which is still over the magnet) and it will mate it OFF CENTER (not coupled).  Then you can move it backwards to where you want it and leave it there.  If you want to couple again you back the front car up to the other coupler when it is NOT over the magnet and it will couple together.

Here is a video:

https://www.google.com/search?...t+way+to+uncouple+HO

John

@ursmacher54 posted:

I thought long and hard about HO but I know the wiring is more complex and I just can’t imagine trying to move freight around and manually trying to uncouple those small couplers every time. I know some have control couplers but it’s not that common. One question I do have about the TMCC unit is the single wire that comes out of the base to hook to the outside rail, should I run that to a terminal block or bus wire and add drops along the layout to improve signal?

Manually uncoupling Kadee couplers in HO is extremely easy - all you need is a bamboo skewer.  It's far easier than manipulating 3-rail O-gauge couplers.  I attend operating sessions on numerous HO layouts, and that's how it's almost always done. 

If you plan on doing a lot of switching, HO is probably easier.  Before you decide on a scale, visit an HO club or attend an operating session in your area and see how easy it is to use Kadee couplers.     

@ursmacher54 posted:

...One question I do have about the TMCC unit is the single wire that comes out of the base to hook to the outside rail, should I run that to a terminal block or bus wire and add drops along the layout to improve signal?

My layout is not particularly large (about 15x20) or complicated (just a few blocks), but all I do is I connect the wire from TMCC to the same post on the transformer that powers the outside rail. 

"An NCE starter set is under $200.  HANDHELD.          And there is no endless waiting for new WiFi only overpriced proprietary MTH or Lionel control systems to arrive or pay through the nose for used ones because the tech is NOT open source."

My take is different (I do own a NCE system as well as a Lionel system and MTH Explorer). The cost of $200 is for a wired handheld. If you want wireless control, the costs for DCC wireless systems are comparable to the Lionel and MTH systems.  The Explorer is about $150 from MTH and has limitations, it's true, compared with the full boat wi-fi DCS system (currently on back order). If you are willing to go with Bluetooth locos from Lionel or more limited LionChief radio frequency control, Lionel command control is significantly cheaper than a DCC system for wireless command control.  The app is free, and the universal remote is about $50.  Plus the systems (Bluetooth app or Universal Remote) are considerably less complex and more intuitive to use than any DCC system I've seen or heard about.

If your layout is not complicated, then 2 rail wiring is not that complicated.  You just need to designate a right rail and a left rail and keep it consistent as you wire. The problem arises if you have a reversing loop of some kind in the layout, and then you need to account for the polarity reversal, but there are numerous circuit boards these days which offer pretty seamless operation of that.

Ive got all 3 systems... Legacy, TMCC and DCC, I also have a 3 rail Blunami loco.

DCC was by far the cheapest. I paid around $250 for DCS (at least 10 years ago) and about the same, maybe $300 for legacy (also about 10 years ago). Add a Z4000 for juice ($375, also 10 years ago). Now you cant find either system for anything reasonable, and the MSRPs for the new boxes of what is thus far vaporware, are what? $500? Add at least $150 for a 180W Lionel brick to power this (or $600 for a Z4000 or $900 for a ZWL).

I bought an ESU Mobile Control DCC set. Its an android based remote, with a few actual buttons (that can be programmed to any function) and a very nice speed dial which auto-returns when you change directions, in addition to a touch screen for the the other functions, which connects to the DCC base via wifi AND it includes a 7amp powerpack. Everything you need to set it up and go, full DCC, not a diet version of a system, under $400. Its still available for under $400. Plug it in, connect 2 wires, and you're off.

The large scale blunami board (4408) is screw terminal connections, which minimizes the amount of soldering required.  And if you powered it with a Lionchief wallwart (which is DC and cheap) or any other DC powerpack (there's nothing that requires 3 rail to be AC), you wouldn't even need to convert the AC (which would basically make the install a no-solder affair). A diesel upgrade would simply be a matter of noting the pickup wires, the motor wires, speaker and the lights, then replacing the board.  Its not that hard if you're at all handy. Its possible to be new to trains, but not new to using tools, I have no idea what your general comfort level is with tinkering, because you havent said. Not that big a deal. Unlike Lionel's bluetooth for Legacy, Blunami is a full function command device from the app, with all the functions and CVs available and programmable from the app.

Are any flawless? No. Do they all have wiring challenges? Yes, but none of them are insurmountable. There is a learning curve for all of them. But if you want full function of modern locomotives, then right now, the only one that can be under your Christmas tree (maybe even next year's tree) is DCC.

No matter what you do in 3 rail O, you're limiting your options with the control system, because they dont talk to one another.  Either plan on eventually buying both systems, or choose your camp. Given the level of painting errors and the various reported issues with Lionel stuff, the MTH/ex-MTH Atlas stuff is really starting to look like the way to go (by no means totally flawless, but its consistently reliable), unless you want to gamble on your red locomotive being pink, your green one looking like it came out of a barrel of radioactive waste, and wonder whether the gearbox will eat itself today or next week.

This is a question of how deep in you're willing to go. Running 2 trains around a couple sheets of plywood vs. filling a basement is going to take some different planning.  If you're the type to be left wanting more, by knowing full well that running a legacy engine with bluetooth or TMCC isnt the full experience you paid for, or running a PS3 locomotive with the explorer and finding yourself wanting the full set of functions, then give the PS3/DCC combination serious consideration. The cows may come home before either MTH or Lionel actually deliver new command hardware.

I would say buy a TMCC set (hook one wire to the outside rails, plug it in USING THE PROVIDED CORD), and go. ($ 300 on the Forum or the auction site)

Power- I would recommend the Lionel G-180 transformer/power brick because it has all of the sensitive circuit protection for newer locos, control for conventional locos, and an accessory circuit.   ($ 350)

Buy a couple of Lion Chief or LC Plus locos with their remotes for kids (or Plus 2,0 with a Universal Remote).  Varies - maybe $$ 250- 400. 

Easy, not too expensive and versatile.

If it were me. I'd go with H O.  H O is half the size of O.

You have a standardized control system. Parts are available. You won't have to worry about some board or part being obsoleted by the manufacture.

I got out of O because of all the recent problems that are going on. Good luck with whatever scale you choose to go with.

@Landsteiner posted:

"An NCE starter set is under $200.  HANDHELD.          And there is no endless waiting for new WiFi only overpriced proprietary MTH or Lionel control systems to arrive or pay through the nose for used ones because the tech is NOT open source."

My take is different (I do own a NCE system as well as a Lionel system and MTH Explorer). The cost of $200 is for a wired handheld. If you want wireless control, the costs for DCC wireless systems are comparable to the Lionel and MTH systems.  The Explorer is about $150 from MTH and has limitations, it's true, compared with the full boat wi-fi DCS system (currently on back order). If you are willing to go with Bluetooth locos from Lionel or more limited LionChief radio frequency control, Lionel command control is significantly cheaper than a DCC system for wireless command control.  The app is free, and the universal remote is about $50.  Plus the systems (Bluetooth app or Universal Remote) are considerably less complex and more intuitive to use than any DCC system I've seen or heard about.

You can add a TCS WiFi interface to the NCE Starter system for around $100.  Then you have a choice of TCS WiFi app, Engine Driver for Android, or WiThrottle for Apple to run the trains.

Also, if NCE is out of their starter sets you can get a Digitrax command set or an MRC command set to run the same exact trains again because it is Open Source and not proprietary like with MTH and Lionel.

Or you can build a DCC++ or DCC ++ EX wireless system for less than $100 and use the free apps to run the trains.   The instructions are all over You Tube and forums as well as the support groups making it easy to build it.  And like the starter sets will run ALL the trains because it is Open Source.

So if I am new to the hobby and want to buy an N Gauge or HO Gauge new DCC engine I don't have to first consider whether or not I want to pay a bloody fortune from a price gouger for a used system or wait on MTH or Lionel to finally deliver their proprietary ones with ever extending arrival dates.

https://dcc-ex.com/#gsc.tab=0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVDNi9U_K68

John

"So if I am new to the hobby and want to buy an N Gauge or HO Gauge new DCC engine I don't have to first consider whether or not I want to pay a bloody fortune from a price gouger for a used system or wait on MTH or Lionel to finally deliver their proprietary ones with ever extending arrival dates."

True, no doubt. Granted the issues for command control in HO and N are quite different than three rail O gauge.  Nonetheless, the first decision usually isn't what kind of command control one likes, but the size/advantages/disadvantages of O gauge/toy-trains vs. smaller/scale HO and N trains and their advantages/disadvantages. The original poster seemed to have already decided on O gauge three rail.

That said, I think the Lionel Base 3 will indeed be delivered early to mid-2024, and I suspect the wi-fi TIU will also eventually arrive. The delays likely have as much to do with pandemic supply issues as any problems unique to Lionel or MTH.   Unfortunate delays, but lots of things haven't been going well for the last four years.

You guys have definitely provided a lot of information and I’ve definitely got some more research to do. There is definitely more availability of road names, different locomotives/models and universal command control is a huge plus. I know the prices on HO has come up but it’s still considerably cheaper than O for similar items (Lionel Legacy steamer $1500-$2500+, same engine in HO $400-$600).Even the LionChief 2.0 and MTH Railking steamers are $600-$800+.  I do absolutely love the size of the o gauge and the simple wiring (not having to worry about reversing loops and wye’s and such) is a plus. HO I can buy all brand new stuff for what I’d be getting 15-20 year old stuff in O (TMCC or MTH protosound/2.0) or very basic engines which still run minimum $350/$400 and up, and the additional equipment needing to run the various brands. I appreciate all the feedback it’s definitely been informative. I’m going to continue to work on a track plan in both and figure out if the size of o gauge or the availability/universal command/cost of HO is more important.

I am firmly in the TMCC camp.  It has all the features you mentioned and performs them reliably.  Components are still available.

George

Just a reminder. In addition to all the track based control systems are the available wireless systems which essentially provide the same set of operating features. The total investment is nominal and wiring the layout can be somewhat simplified.

Hey Guys,sorry but I have just a few more questions. First can the Lionel, Atlas, Kline, etc TMCC locomotives be repaired if they fail? I know they’re anywhere from 15-25+ years old.

second question, I’ve been looking at Transformers and it looks like I can pick up an MTH Z4000 for $400-$450 on eBay while a Lionel GW180 is roughly $350. I’m thinking the Z4000 would cover all my current and future needs for trains and accessories. Can the Z4000 be repaired/is there any support for those anymore if something goes wrong?

Thank you

And now for something different.  DCC is practical with S gauge if the locomotives have can motors, which "newer" product from American Models, S Helper, MTH, and recent AF/Lionel have (and can motor replacements for vintage AF locos are available).  You have to install the decoders in the locos, which is reasonably straightforward, to interface the loco to DCC.  S is a compromise between HO and O that's interesting if you're willing to put up with a limited selection of locos and rolling stock on the market.  (I do 3 rail O scale at home, but S for my club.)

Aside from that, while I have Lionel Cab-1, Cab-1L, Cab-2 (with Cab-3 on order), most of my locos are TMCC and run just fine, even if 25 years old.  I've replaced a receiver board in one and a motor driver in another.  And the Legacy locos' primary functions work OK under TMCC.  LionChief is interesting, but my zeal for full-scale locos sidetracks that option.

@ursmacher54 posted:

Hey Guys,sorry but I have just a few more questions. First can the Lionel, Atlas, Kline, etc TMCC locomotives be repaired if they fail? I know they’re anywhere from 15-25+ years old.

second question, I’ve been looking at Transformers and it looks like I can pick up an MTH Z4000 for $400-$450 on eBay while a Lionel GW180 is roughly $350. I’m thinking the Z4000 would cover all my current and future needs for trains and accessories. Can the Z4000 be repaired/is there any support for those anymore if something goes wrong?

Thank you

Yes, there are service techs for MTH, yes, MTH parts and sales currently has Z4000 parts to include the main power board and control board. Many repairs do not require replacing the boards, just individual components.

I would suggest you spend some time on this site and see what all MTH has to offer https://www.mthpartsandsales.com/

Note the "Helpful Stuff" page https://www.mthpartsandsales.com/shop/documents

And an old Tyco H.O. Transformer for the SC-1 6-12914 for the switch control .