TMCC 101

It's easier than you think.

For starters, just about any loco from any manufacturer will run in Conventional Mode.  (This is a fancy way of saying "will run with just a regular transformer".)

Lionel and MTH have competing/rival command control systems that GENERALLY are not compatible with each other IN COMMAND MODE as the locos come from the factory.....BUT can be made somewhat compatible with each other in a limited way if you utilize certain ADDITIONAL electronics.  (Again, you can always run competing/different locos from any company in Conventional Mode.)

Odyssey is basically electronic cruise control for Lionel (TMCC and Legacy) locos and those from other companies who license TMCC from Lionel.  Odyssey II is basically a refined/improved version of Odyssey.  With either, the loco will not change speed regardless of changes in track voltage.  (This is in contrast to trains running faster or slower as your track voltage fluctuates.)  They will also run at surprisingly slow speeds, especially with Odyssey II.

TMCC is Lionel's original command control system.  Legacy is a newer, more feature packed and more complicted command control system. 

Legacy is designed to run any TMCC equipped loco with almost all of it's original features.  Also, any Legacy loco can run in TMCC but not all of its features will work.  The are not mutually exclusive.  Quite the opposite, actually.  By design.  Just think of it this way:  They are compatible with each other.  Legacy locos have more features but when run in TMCC, not all are available to you.   

Dizzy yet?

Here's the easy part:  Hooking up TMCC is simple.  You'll need a transformer, a remote, and a base.

You simply hook up a wire from the base to the negative wire/lead that runs from the transformer to your track.  The negative wire/lead needs to be connected to one of your outside track rails.  You will want the center rail to be positive.  All of the TMCC signals are generated through your negative wire/lead on the outside rail.  (Be sure to also actually plug both in!)

There is a great book on the matter by Neil Beseiloff (sp?) that is a terrific resource/starting point.  It details how TMCC and DCS (MTH) operate....but it was written before Legacy came out.

If your new to this, I would simply start with TMCC.  It's WAY simpler.

If you can find a CAB-1/Command Base, the original TMCC offering,  here is a link from the Lionel website.  A 48 page manual that was part of the Cab-1 handheld/Command base offering.   The complete guide to command control.  Click on the underlined phrase to link. 

Here is a link to the Legacy Control System V 1.5.  88 page manual

Both manuals have just about everything that is involved with the two systems. Basic wiring to multiple unit/locomotive operations. 

Another important part of the system is the Track Power Controller.  It allows for Conventional control using hand held remotes.

There are other control devices related to accessory and block controls, that more or less piggy-back off either of the two command systems. 

Lots of infomation in those three underlined phrases. 

Have fun

Mike

Personally, I'd recommend going with the Legacy system, it's the future of Lionel command & control.  The only thing I use my CAB1/command base for now is my workbench for working on TMCC/Legacy stuff.

I second Gunrunners opinion of going for the Legacy setup, if you are a Lionel fan. There is a very good chance that once you have a few Legacy engines your desire to run conventional will diminish greatly. I run a few laps now and then in conventional when I'm feeling nostalgic but on a day to day basis I run command with Legacy. 

The Legacy system will also run any TMCC engines or cars you may have. Legacy also simplifies wiring quite a bit.  

The book that I was referring to is actually titled "Command Control for Toy Trains" by Neil Besougloff.  However, it was first published by Kalmbach in 2003 so it will not help with Legacy.  But it's very useful for TMCC and DCS if your are so inclined.

While it's just my opinion (and I've been wrong plenty of times before), I think it's easier to start out with TMCC if you're just getting into the game.

Many people find the Legacy command unit confusing.  No such issue with the TMCC as the unit is very simple.  In fact, Lionel recognized this by recently issuing part #6-37147 the CAB-IL/BASE-IL.  This is nothing more than a Legacy remote meant to mimic the TMCC remote, presumably b/c: 1) most people who already operate TMCC will know how to work it and 2) people starting out with Legacy will have an easier timing "learning" with this remote b/c it's not so "techy/complicated/etc.  (Maybe the latter is the truly the best route to go after all?)

In terms of just operating trains, can it get any easier than: 1)plug in TMCC base.  2) run a wire from the the base to where your negative contact point is?

I'm not saying that TMCC is better than Legacy....b/c it's not.  But I personally think it's easier for a newbie to figure out.  You can always upgrade later once you've become an "expert".

At the end of the day, what matters are the trains themselves and our fantastic abitlity to run up to 99 (or so) of them remotely.  The dark days of the E-Unit are behind us.

Dated but some good basic info http://www.coilcouplers.com/tmc/tmc.html

On page 136 in the 2013 signature Lionel catalog, they have a "Legacy systems buyers guide" that explains what components you'll need if you want to run conventional, command, or both.

Good luck finding an unused CAB1/base.

I agree with Berkshire president and MikeCT.  That's all I'll say about that.

Berkshire President;

Kalmbach Publishing has updated that book to include Legacy.

Thanks for the info, Pop.  That's good to know.  I found that book VERY helpful when starting out.

Thanks also for your service, Master Sergeant.  Our freedom is more important than...model trains.

One wire to the outside track as long as they're common throughout the layout.   No extra bus wires.

I don't think anyone addressed the "conventional" part of your question.  Remote control of conventional locomotives requires either one or more power controllers - TPC300/400 or Powermaster, or an "intelligent" transformer - modern ZW or the new ZW-L.  The controllers would be inserted between your existing transformers and the track.

gunrunnerjohn is correct.  You simply need 1 wire from the TMCC Command Base to the outside rail of the layout (assuming there is no isolation of the layout).  I do this on my layout, while reserving the inside one for insulated rails to trigger signals.  I also have 8 blocks. 

In TMCC (and Legacy), how you power your blocks is independent of how you get the TMCC signal to them.

George

Dale, I was assuming that running conventional would be to grab the handle(s) of the transformer and run the trains.

Feeling compelled to add something, as I've recently experienced significant enlightenment around command control and how it can be used. 

When I returned to O gauge after a long absence, it was (incorrectly) explained to me that my 50+ PW & MPC locomotives were now basically obsolete and useless in the "new world" of command.  As such, I ignored control systems entirely and build a four-loop conventional layout.

Out of curiosity, I recently watched two of Mike Reagan's videos on the Lionel site--“Powermaster Instructional Video” and “Track Power Options for TMCC & LEGACY”.  It was a revelation; in a matter of minutes, I gained a fundamental understanding of these simple concepts/devices that several years of forums and user groups had failed to clarify for me.

I purchased a used CAB-1 (6-12828) and used Powermaster (6-12867) and dug out a spare CW-80 to experiment with a small temporary setup.  It sounds a bit dramatic, but I think my heart skipped a beat the first time I saw one of my PW locomotives spring into action with the touch of a remote.  Since then I've picked up a used Powerhouse (6-12866) for power and use the CAB-1/PM/PH setup on a temporary carpet layout.  The kids love it, and I love that I can run anything on it.  While I don't have immediate plans to build out my four-loop conventional layout, used Powermasters can be had for $15-$25... so I'm looking at an investment of no more than ~$100 if I choose to do so.

From the many discussions I’ve had at train shows and local events, I feel confident in saying that most conventional operators are completely unaware that for less than a few hundred dollars, they too can enjoy remote control--and on a variable voltage layout with no modification to their locomotives.  Like me, they made assumptions early on and stuck their fingers in their ears.

I'll leave the advanced stuff (Legacy, Odyssey, etc...) to others, but I'm a newly-converted believer to the benefits of basic command control.  It's fun, easy, and inexpensive.

I agree completely with this. It seems like folks can understand the concept of full command control, but when you try to explain remote conventional control, their eyes glass over.