Setting up TMCC and MTH PS1. PS2

To run conventional locos, you cannot use the remote unless you also have  a  Lionel Powermaster, which varies the voltage to the track, just like the ZW handles do.  Make sure, if you purchase one, it is one that responds to the cab-1.  Best to just run Lionel conventional locos or MTH locos with the ZW otherwise.  Same thing with MTH PS1/PS2, which should work fine with the ZW, but not necessarily with the Powermaster, depending on its vintage.  Lionel used to make something that functioned like a Powermaster, but compatible with MTH locos called the TPC (Track Power Control).  The PowerHouse (there is no Powerstation ) is just a fixed voltage supply, and unless you have a Powermaster, will only be useful for command locos with TMCC/Legacy/LionChief. 

Thank you, so to be clear, if I want to run the MTH engines with the CAB 1 remote, I need the additional TPC correct? Does that allow me to run two different loops or do I need two of them- one for each loop?  And just one additional question - if I just use my ZW without the TMCC, how do I set up a bell button  so I can get sounds other than the horn?

(And my box says its a powerstation and powerhouse set - 6-12938)

You have a conventional setup as far as I can see (powerhouse and power station does not include a TMCC command base?). I am ignorant but does the cab-1 communicate with the Powerstation? If so you’ve got conventional remote control of all postwar and subsequent Lionel locos except LionChief and all MTH locos. If not you need an original ancient Powermaster or a command base and a TPC 300 that can addressed by a cab-1. I had forgotten they made this set a quarter of a century ago and am not familiar with it. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable than myself will chime in.

The Power Station is a Variable controller.  So the Powerhouse plugs into it and now you have a transformer.  Then you have your ZW transformer. So you have variable transformers, but neither of them (ZW or Power Station) can be controlled by TMCC remote.

The TMCC base gets connected and would allow Command control of the TMCC engines.  Everything else is controlled by your transformers. Lionel Conventional, PS-1 and PS-2.  If you had a Power Master or TPC that allow control of track voltage and signals via your TMCC remote.  That help?  G

Oy.  Thakn you for your response.  So if I put the powerstation and powerhouse back inthe box, and use my ZW with a lionel 6-14179 TMCC Track Power Controller and the Cab 1 and Command Base, can I use my Ptoto 1 and 2 engines, as well as my older lionel engines that do not have have TMCC?  And can I use two tracks or do I need a second TPC?  I have an inner and outer loop connected by switches.   I ahte to ask but PS3 -  are those to advanced?   Thank you all