Running Poswar Engines with Legacy

I think you already have it figured out.... It's the additional wire under the track. Why under the track? Why not next to, or above?  I would disconnect the wire from everything and try running again.

Bill K

I placed the wire under the track after reading other posts on the forum where the wire was placed on other layouts. I have 2 parallel tracks on a 15 x 9 layout that was built and ballast so under the track was my best option.

I can not figure out why the postwar engines are not running correctly.

I have the same issue and I do not have an additional wire. My Post War ZW is wired to my TPC400 which is wired to the TMCC Direct Loc-on as per the instructions. I cannot run the post war stuff at all, the TMCC Loc-on's circuit constantly flips back and forth. Some of the smaller Post War stuff like the #51 M&St.L switcher will go a few feet, trip the circuit breaker, stop, e-unit cycles to N, and so on but my 773, 726... don't even move.

I was going to install a switch between the TPC and the TMCC Loc-on to divert power from the TPC directly to the track (Lok-on...) when I want to run my Post War stuff, kind of defeats my intentions but that seemed like the only solution.

Does anyone have any other ideas?

Mike

The TMCC Direct Lockon is correctly named, it's strictly for command use.  Add to that it stomps on the DCS signal, and it's really not all that useful.  It also drops out at 11-12 volts, again it's designed strictly for command operation.

John,

I knew I'd get an answer. Thanks

My thought was since the ZW does not have an external circuit breaker the TMCC Lok-on would give my command equipment this protection. Before I decided on this setup, Post War ZW, TPC, TMCC Loc-on for the purposes of being able to run both my command and post war equipment I ran it by multiple folks at Lionel's Service Center. Everyone agreed that that would work, I guess not.

I could have purchased a modern transformer but I figured the cost of 2 Lok-ons  was far less than a new transformer. So if I want to run both types of equipment (not at the same time) it looks like I will have to install a switch between the TPC and the Lok-on to divert the power.

Should have asked here first.

Mike

Thanks for the reply's.

The only thing I cannot figure out is the upper loop is wired to the same bricks and TPC and TMCC lock on and my postwar engines run fine with no problem.

The problem occurred after I put the insulated ground wire under the track on the main level inner loop.

The outer loop I powered by an postwar ZW to a TMCC lock on and it works fine.

I ran the inner loop for over year with postwar engines and had no problems till I added the insulated ground wire under the track to improve the command signal.

Terry

I think you're just lucky.  I have a few of those, I sold all but one when I found out all the limitations.  Oh, and BTW, they also do NOT have a TVS to protect against spikes, something that surprised me.

Lose the TMCC Direct Lockon and try adding a quality circuit breaker in the 6-7 amp range in the track feed.  A TVS protection diode across the track connection and you're all set.

Gunrunnerjohn,

Do you have a part number for the TVS protection diode/ circuit breaker that I can buy from Digkey or Mouser?

Thanks

Terry

Here you go.

1.5KE36CA at Digikey

Thanks for your help.

Terry