TMCC or LionChief Plus

Do you have a TMCC base or a Powermaster.  There is a big difference.

Unless I'm reading your post wrong, I'm not sure why you can't run both engines on the same track at the same time. Assuming they have different engine numbers assigned to them and the loop is long enough, you should be able to start up and run both on the same track at the same time and keep them from running into each other with the Cab 1.

1. Part of the answer depends on whether the two tracks will be electrically connected via a crossover or not, but basically you want to split the power connection to the track into two connections - one for each track and do the same with the TMCC connection. 

2. You do not need to get another Cab 1 remote and, subject to how long each loop of track is, what you already have should be enough to run two engines.

3. That would be your call but, personally, I would maintain the layout as a TMCC command controlled layout and add command control engines, including the new Lionchief Plus 2.0 engines,  as your fancy and budget allows.

It sounds like you're running TMCC engines under conventional mode. To get full TMCC, you must have a Train Master Command Base which is not the same as the Powermaster. You can still use the Powermaster on the same layout with a Command Base in order to run conventional engines (like old postwar engines).  The Command Base is for true Command Control via the Cab-1 while the Powermaster is for simply enabling Voltage control via the Cab-1.

If your engines are TMCC, I'd suggest getting a Command Base.  If you have two small loops, your 180W powerhouse should be enough to power both loops.

If you want to run conventional engines on BOTH loops, you'd need a second powermaster so that you can vary their voltages separately.

@raising4daughters posted:

It sounds like you're running TMCC engines under conventional mode. To get full TMCC, you must have a Train Master Command Base which is not the same as the Powermaster. You can still use the Powermaster on the same layout with a Command Base in order to run conventional engines (like old postwar engines).  The Command Base is for true Command Control via the Cab-1 while the Powermaster is for simply enabling Voltage control via the Cab-1.

If your engines are TMCC, I'd suggest getting a Command Base.  If you have two small loops, your 180W powerhouse should be enough to power both loops.

If you want to run conventional engines on BOTH loops, you'd need a second powermaster so that you can vary their voltages separately.

I wasn't 100% sure if he had a command base which is why I asked.  The Powermasters look very similar.

@MartyE posted:

I wasn't 100% sure if he had a command base which is why I asked.  The Powermasters look very similar.

They sure do. I've mixed them up many a time.

To the OP, let me know if you'd like to buy a 2nd Powermaster.  Will sell for $25 plus shipping.  I've got more than I need.

When he said he had a Lionel TMCC System, I thought he had the base as well .... and they do look very similar.

To all, let me clarify ----

I have a  complete TMCC System- Base & CAB-1 Remote.   I have a PowerMaster to allow me to run my 1955 Lionel train using the CAB-1 remote

I have enough track to allow me to have a separate layout, I want each train to run in opposite directions, therefore, I cannot run both trains on the same track.

My take-away from the other responses is that  ". . . if I split the power connection to the track into two connections - one for each track and do the same with the TMCC connection. . ." I will be able to run 2 separate trains on 2 separate layouts.

thanks to all ---

@Father Christmas posted:

My take-away from the other responses is that  ". . . if I split the power connection to the track into two connections - one for each track and do the same with the TMCC connection. . ." I will be able to run 2 separate trains on 2 separate layouts.

Correct, and as long as the transformer has enough capacity, you can use a single transformer to power both tracks, one through the PowerMaster, the other directly.

@Father Christmas posted:

My take-away from the other responses is that  ". . . if I split the power connection to the track into two connections - one for each track and do the same with the TMCC connection. . ." I will be able to run 2 separate trains on 2 separate layouts.

thanks to all ---

Yes, that's true for your TMCC engines.  One transformer, given enough power, can run two separate trains on separate loops.  TMCC allows you to control with engine, not just the voltage, so you can start or stop one separate from the other or vary the speed of one from the other with one transformer powering both loops.  Key thing is whether the 180W brick provides enough power. For two smaller trains pulling unlit freight cars, I think you'd be OK. Just spitballing, but I've run a single loop with 90W, so that's my logic in thinking you'll be OK with 180W on two loops.

There's a slight caveat since you've got one transformer and one powermaster.  You cannot connect a single powermaster to two loops unless they're (a) connected via a turnout and (b) you don't mind having both loops at the same voltage.

One command base is all you need for two loops, but if you want to control your 1955 engine with your CAB-1 on either loop, you'll need a second powermaster. At that point, assuming no grand expansion plans beyond this, I'd suggest buying a second inexpensive transformer, nothing as big as your 180W one.

For TMCC optimally, I'd recommend a modern Lionel transformer like the BW, CW, or GW. They put out a chopped sine wave which is supposedly better for TMCC than those that put out a pure sine wave.  Not a HUGE deal, but if you're buying, buy right.

Best wishes.

A single CAB-1 and base can control everything if the engine and track IDs are setup correctly.

A single transformer can power both loops at a constant 18v for TMCC engines everywhere on the layout.  Your Powerhouse has enough capacity to run several engines.  Expand your track and add loops as much as you desire.

When you run your 1955 conventional engine, you use the Powermaster to control the track voltage from the CAB-1.  This is where you have to think about power districts (or loops) so you can have constant 18v on some track districts/loops and variable voltage (via the Powermaster) on other districts/loops.  If your layout has loops that ARE connected by switches, use an insulated pin or break in the middle rail between the loops.

@Tracker John - I couldn't think of any way for the OP to set this up where he could run conventional on either loop with a single powermaster, but I'm no expert. Any way to do that?

+-------------------+
|Transformer  |----+----(constant 18v)----->Loop1
+-------------------+     |
                |    +--------------------+
                           +---|Powermaster  |----(variable voltage)---->Loop2
                            +--------------------+

The cut-in of the Powermaster to either loop can be accomplished with dual-pole switches.