I would appreciate your thoughts to help me decide on power for my 4x8 Fastrack O-gauge layout. It is a simple layout running one train at a time, and I have two manual switches in easy reach. I own a Lionel 6-18879 TMCC B&O GP9 train (plus my dad's old pre-war Lionel 1684 freight train set.) At this late stage of my life, I can't justify spending too much money. I gave my Z4000 and Command Control gear to my son for their family layout which has most of the engines, rolling stock and accessories I used to have at my house.
I can spend $280 and get a GW180 controller/brick unit, keeping it simple, or I can spend $500 for Legacy control (180W PowerHouse, Legacy Cab/Base Command Set, and Legacy PowerMaster.) Will I really lose that many TMCC features of the GP9 by operating only in conventional mode with the GW180? I know I will lose the Electrocouplers feature, but will I also lose the Towercom, Crewtalk, and Railsounds?
Thanks, Bill
