Newbie Question and Comment

If you want to run the Legacy locomotives in command control all you need is two components - a command set, like the #990, and a power supply such as a standard transformer, like the Lionel CW-80, or a power brick, like the PH-180. 

If you want to run the Legacy locos in conventional mode, all you need is a conventional transformer.

So a #990 and a used PH-180 off EBay and I’m set?  

Any idea why I’m seeing #999 sets for $550 plus on EBay when the supposedly retail for $350?  Supply chain issues?

Sorry 990

@Da Moose posted:

So a #990 and a used PH-180 off EBay and I’m set?  

Any idea why I’m seeing #999 sets for $550 plus on EBay when the supposedly retail for $350?  Supply chain issues?

Yes and yes. You could go with a less expensive and more readily available command system like the Cab 1 or Cab1L system, but it may not unlock all the features of your legacy locos. Understand that the PH-180 brick supplies a relatively constant 18 acv to the track for use with command control locos and is not adjustable, so that in the event you ever wanted to run a non-command engine on the layout, you could not do so.

Remember to always turn the command system on first (I like to wait a few seconds) before powering up the track. Otherwise, the legacy loco may think it's starting in conventional mode and the remote may not work.

Thx much!