Pennsylvania Experimental Railroad

As far as i know what you are seeking to do will work fine with the older TMCC CAB-1.  You mention space constraints so why worry about command control for the switches.  My layout is all TMCC, 35 feet from end to end, 17 switches, all manual.  I know folks like to use command control for routing but following the train around and throwing the switch works fine and saved a whole lot of time wiring.

Good Afternoon Deuce5150!

Yes it would require only TMCC1 to operate these engines.

I hope you noticed that that both require O-72 track to operate on.

Hope to see you at Trainfest this weekend, check out Area 5800.

The Lionel CAB-1L/Base-1L Command Set is the modern replacement for the obsolete CAB1/BASE1, and it's what I'd recommend.  It's new, it comes with a warranty, and it dispenses with the ugly and ungainly antenna!  The CAB1L also will work with the Legacy base, so if you go visit a location with Legacy, you'll have your own remote.

Thanks!  I am glad there is a brand new setup available.  If I understand correctly, Fastrack Command switches can be operated with this remote and when programmed, do not require wiring?  Do they run on track power and receive signals from the CAB-1L?

This forum is great.  I've had many questions answered.  Thank you!

You understand correctly.  If you have TMCC or Legacy, you can simply add the Fastrack command switch to your layout and you have instant control of it from the CAB1/CAB1L/CAB2 remote.  Of course, you program the switch to have a specific switch ID, you have 99 possibilities.  Fastrack switches consume very little power, so running them off the track power isn't a big issue.

There is one little addition if you run DCS (MTH PS2/3) equipment.  I then replace the track power jumper with a 22uh RF choke to prevent the electronics in the Fastrack switch from affecting the DCS track signal.

Cool.  So to run the two specified locomotives (#6100 and #6200) with maybe ten lighted cars and about a dozen or so O72 switches on an 8'x20' layout, all I would need is the CAB-1L/Base-1L Command set and maybe 135 or 180 watt Lionel Powerhouse?  Is that enough power?

I'm working on a layout now.  I think the only powered bits will be the switches and the locomotives, but there may be some lighted buildings or bumpers down the line.  Not sure how much power it would require.

I'd go for the 180W, it has a much better circuit breaker and of course, more power.  You should be able to run all of that on 180 watts.  If not, convert the cars to LED lighting, problem solved!

For lighted buildings, I'd just have a small separate power source.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

The Lionel CAB-1L/Base-1L Command Set is the modern replacement for the obsolete CAB1/BASE1, and it's what I'd recommend.  It's new, it comes with a warranty, and it dispenses with the ugly and ungainly antenna!  The CAB1L also will work with the Legacy base, so if you go visit a location with Legacy, you'll have your own remote.

Would my existing CAB-1 "Big Red Wheel" controllers continue to work the basic TMCC commands with this new base/controller?

Sure it will, but he's buying new equipment.  Rather than spend $100-125 on an old and outdated set that isn't supported and has parts that are not unobtainable, I'd spend around $200 and get the new and better replacement.

I'm baby stepping.  I've bought my very first TMCC equipped locomotive.  PRR #6100 has landed at my house.  It's huge, it's heavy and I love it.  I'm sure I'll like it even more when I can power it up and put it on a track...

I've been researching how to do that, but have come back confused.  I plan on getting the CAB-1L (Lionel 6-37147) to control my layout.  Next I need a power supply.  I am thinking Lionel Powerhouse (6-22983) ought to do the trick.  Beyond that, do I need anything aside from a terminal piece of fastrack in my layout?  I've been reading about (and getting confused by) PowerMasters, Powermaster Lockons and such.  Do I need those?

I'm trying to get a list of necessities together in time for Christmas, just in case...