TMCC Accessories

I just read the entire updated Legacy manual online. Kudos to Mike R. If he was involved in this project. Very logical, precise, nice layout and format. Nice train graphics. Very clear on the addressing and ID #. But simple 1 wire connection claim is only true if you do not use ASCs, AMCs, etc. And never really discuses the DB9 port except to connect to cab1 base. And deferred to the outdated ASC manuals for hookup that do not even mention Legacy. Begging the question again. Why does Lionel keep dodging this? Do the controllers hook up directly to the Cab-2 base. Do you need to go though the Cab-1 base? How many can you use? These are simple questions? How many and what combinations of the accesory controllers you can use? But as someone may have said earlier, I do not think Lionel knows the answer to the simplest. Or does not want to admit that the answer is "not too many unless your are lucky or buy one of Dales last three boosters." And where is the Lionel booster? Maybe someone will show Mike this and maybe he might put it on his agenda or at least chime in.

Hi again ffred

The answer to the questions about limits of devices that can be hooked up I under legacy has the same issues as under TMCC. Don't make long daisy chans or pass thru the boxes - dale explained it in his post earlier.  The b&b booster will work, not just his.

 

I believe the cranes require AMCs not ASCs. I also have 4 cranes and advise you reconsider using TMCC to operat them. Using the supplied controllers will provide a lot mor action - thou can have multiple operate simultaneously. Consider investing in An ARC to program what sounds like a very active and exciting mine/mill area. 

 

Im not sure what your budget is, consider a TPC to replace/retire and sell several of your powermasters. You will be much happier In the end. Also, using the tr-power master to control lites is another area you should look at to free up tr#s for mu's- a small ACC transformer would work just as well or better with the appropriate on/off .switch for control. 

 

Use of ASC or OTC for uncoupling/unloading is tricky at best. There're are much better and easier options.   Re look at the switches. You may be able to trigger several turnouts thru one ASC connection. It can be done. Maybe some track plan work that you are thinking about could be worked into using a single connection for multiple switches. Something to consider. 

 

Legacy and TMCC are very similar. Just because you see better explanations and documentation the flaws are still there - in spades. 

 

Good luck with your endeavor. 

 

Ralph

 

 

I like to thank all of you for input.

 

What I forgot to mention in my initial post was I intent to use 4 TPC 400 also.

To my understanding using these I can get the best of both worlds (per se) of Lionel and MTH. I also wanted to have the ability to change the 4 lines from command to conventional at will, the ZW that I have is either all 4 command or all 4 conventional.

 

It seems after a ten year span of being out of the hobby, I picked the wrong year to get back into it. Most of what need for the command stuff is waiting to be released.

 

I think I will try the star routing with the data cable to the units (when I eventually receive them) and hope for the best.

 

My number of blocks may seem high, but I have added a yard and turntable tracks to the count.

 

I have a Cab 1 setup that I intend to use, I also have the Cab1 L on order.

The TPCs will not give you command control of the MTH engines.

 

Thanks Dale,

 

Yes I do understand that, if I understand correctly I can invoke the MTH sound system under conventional control with the TPC's.

 

Kind of sad that there is not a standard control system simular to the smaller gauges.

FWIW you will also be able to fire the couplers as well. I've operated MTH  PS2 locos with a Lionel TPC and was quite pleased with how they ran. Slow speed was very good, and once the loco is under way, the way MTH's cruise and smoke function, one would be hard pressed to tell that its not being run under command control.

 

I'm a "Lionel guy" but have to admit MTH PS2 locos run far smoother conventionally with a TPC than many Lionel TMCC locos in command.

Thanks Rick,

 

This is great to know.

 

I have mostly Lionel stock with some MTH, but one does not know in the future (I buy trains that are visually appealing).