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Conventional runner with conventional layout here--I have absolutely no grasp of control systems, but am wondering what options I have for remote control of a small army of Lionel PW/MPC-era locomotives.

 

Logic suggests there must be some kind of remotely operated transformer that would attach to my rails (like any conventional transformer) and allow me to vary track voltage from a remote--exactly the same way I would with a handle in my hand. 

 

Assuming such a product exists, can anyone provide the product number and/or speak to successful use or limitations?

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I don't think that there is a transformer capable of doing that. However to run conventional with variable track voltage you should be able to do that with either; TMCC, Legacy, or DCS. I know that you can run conventional with track voltage with the DCS system by MTH, and would think that Lionel's command control gives you the same option. Don't have Lionel command control, so I can't say either way.

 

Lee Fritz

Thank you all - Chuck, I believe "remote throttle" is a perfect description of what I'm looking for.  So just these two devices?

 

Trainmaster Command PowerMaster 135

http://www.lionel.com/Products/Finder/ProductDetail.cfm?ProductNumber=6-12867&expandBranch=0&Keywords=12867

 

TMCC CAB-1 Remote Control

http://www.lionel.com/Products/Finder/ProductDetail.cfm?ProductNumber=6-12868&expandBranch=0&Keywords=12868

 

Do I understand correctly then, that power comes from your existing transformer to the PowerMaster (by setting the transformer throttle to max output), which you can then control from the CAB-1 remote?  If it's as simple as that, this is the perfect solution for me. 

 

Any other parts or devices needed?  Also, I have four independent lines, each with their own transformer.  Do I need four of those PowerMasters?

 

Thanks!

 

Originally Posted by ams:

Thank you all - Chuck, I believe "remote throttle" is a perfect description of what I'm looking for.  So just these two devices?

 

Trainmaster Command PowerMaster 135

http://www.lionel.com/Products/Finder/ProductDetail.cfm?ProductNumber=6-12867&expandBranch=0&Keywords=12867

 

TMCC CAB-1 Remote Control

http://www.lionel.com/Products/Finder/ProductDetail.cfm?ProductNumber=6-12868&expandBranch=0&Keywords=12868

 

Do I understand correctly then, that power comes from your existing transformer to the PowerMaster (by setting the transformer throttle to max output), which you can then control from the CAB-1 remote?  If it's as simple as that, this is the perfect solution for me. 

 

Any other parts or devices needed?  Also, I have four independent lines, each with their own transformer.  Do I need four of those PowerMasters?

 

Thanks!

 

The Powermasters are not very robust and when they fail they pass full foltage . Would think a TPC unit is much better if you choose to go this route.

 

A MTH Z4000 with the remote would work excellent for you and controll up to two individual tracks, the new Lionel ZW would work as well and control four tracks but is much more expensive, especially as you add remotes. (And everyone knows no one wants the "missing some features" remote, especially kids:-)

TPC requires a command base.  Z-4000 requires a remote commander which is out of production?  He would also need two Z-4000's to control 4 blocks.  A new ZW-L would require a command base as well as a remote and be very expensive.  

 

Everything but the CAB-1 and PowerMasters is going to be expensive since everything else needs the command base and CAB-1 to function.

Originally Posted by chuck:

TPC requires a command base.  Z-4000 requires a remote commander which is out of production?  He would also need two Z-4000's to control 4 blocks.  A new ZW-L would require a command base as well as a remote and be very expensive.  

 

Everything but the CAB-1 and PowerMasters is going to be expensive since everything else needs the command base and CAB-1 to function.

He doesn't say how many independent loops he has, but after having three different powermasters fail on us (but no TPC units that replaced them have failed), it was just say no to powermasters for us.

 

Guessing the cheapest way to 4 track remote control is a now older 4 bricked ZW and a few CAB-1 remotes, not sure of the reliability of this ZW based on comments from members here.

A new ZW-L and two Legacy remotes would place him near $1,200? A new modern transformer would get him away from the older, slow circuit breakers

These are GREAT insights, guys--thanks again.

 

Given that I'm just experimenting a bit and happy with my existing transformers & setup, I think in this case the Powermasters look like the right financial option.  Looks like I can pick up a used one and a used CAB-1 for under $150.  If I like it, I might experiment further.

 

As a side note, I'd observe that an entry-level-priced transformer/remote product targeted at conventional runners would seemingly be a pretty instant seller (e.g., a CW-80-type product that accepts throttle/horn/bell commands from a remote).  Not tethered to a locomotive like the Thomas products, but something suitable for any conventional layout.

While you're looking for a cab1 try to get one with a command base as well. This would give you TMCC if you wanted it at sometime in the future. Also it would give you the option to get a ZW-C (the ZW with the bricks). It has 4 powermasters built in but it must communicate through the command base signal. This would give you control of 4 loops and whistle and bell for all 4 trains.

Ron

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