TMCC upgrade

Tepowder posted:

is it possible to set up any engine to run TMCC controlled?

thanks

After you install an Electric Railroad TMCC "up-grade" kit, yes.

I suggest you post more details.  Obviously, almost any locomotive can be upgraded to TMCC, the real question would be if it's a good idea.   That answer to that question would depend on the locomotive in question.

I think can be upgraded, but there are some limitations. For example, I've had two upgraded from conventional to TMCC but the trucks and coupler on the tender prevented the upgrade to include electro-coupler. A bit disappointing in that case.

I think GRJ has upgraded the small Dockside Switcher to TMCC but it was a lot of work and, IIRC, he wouldn't recommend it as a practice especially not for a novice.  That was another disappointment as I think TMCC with electrocouplers is almost mandatory for switching engines nowadays. 

Don't let me discourage you, though. I've been VERY pleased with my ERR upgrades performed by a local, fellow forum members. He's done 2 WBB NW-2 switchers, a WBB GG-1, and 2-3 WBB O27 steamers for me, and they're great.  I wanted specific roadnames and designs that weren't readily available via Lionel or K-line with TMCC, so upgrading some from WBB gave me exactly what I wanted for just a little bit more than market price for a Lionel or K-line.

I don't have a problem upgrading the Dockside Switcher, but I don't recommend you try to add electrocouperls!   That took a lot of surgery as there was no stock coupler that fit the locomotive.

Another challenge was the Williams 44-Ton Locomotive.  On that one I was determined to have electrocouplers, but it was a fight to the death!

Williams 44-Ton Upgrade with ERR CC-Lite, Sound, & Electrocouplers

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I don't have a problem upgrading the Dockside Switcher, but I don't recommend you try to add electrocouperls!   That took a lot of surgery as there was no stock coupler that fit the locomotive.

Another challenge was the Williams 44-Ton Locomotive.  On that one I was determined to have electrocouplers, but it was a fight to the death!

Williams 44-Ton Upgrade with ERR CC-Lite, Sound, & Electrocouplers

And if YOU'VE had difficulties with your experience and expertise, imagine us mere mortals trying. 

It's a shame because I'd love to have electrocouplers on my dockside switcher. It's a great and attractive little engine. I'm assuming your issues are why it's been offered with LC but not LC+.

Well, Lionel has the ability to change the coupler design, I had to home roll something to do mine.  I'm sure they could do it if they wanted to.

Back to the original question any engine can be upgraded if there is room. The list of those too small has gotten larger since the elimination of the smallest boards. Best state what engine you want to upgrade if you want an intelligent response.

Pete 

I’ve been wondering the same thing.   If I have conventional Lionel F-3s let’s same from the 80s.  Can I upgrade?   I don’t care about the couplers.  Just want Command Control.  

This is what I am considering tmcc on.

The 80's are probably AC motors, so that would be the ERR AC Commander, and if you want sound, the ERR RailSounds Commander with the F3/F7 sound set.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

The 80's are probably AC motors, so that would be the ERR AC Commander, and if you want sound, the ERR RailSounds Commander with the F3/F7 sound set.

Thanks

Tepowder posted:

This is what I am considering tmcc on.

That one will use the ERR Cruise Commander, my favorite TMCC upgrade.  Coupled with the F3/F7 ERR RailSounds Commander, it should be a nice running locomotive.

Thanks for the info. I am just venturing into these upgrades. Where would I find them and about how much would they cost?

The easiest way is to pick one an dive in.  I suggest lots of questions here if you have any doubts about the upgrade.

The locomotive you have indicated would need the two parts I mentioned.

Go to ERR by 3rd Rail Reservations and check the list for prices.

The two pieces you need are the following for your upgrade.

There will also be some bits and pieces, depending on the feature you want to add.  I normally add electrocouplers to upgrades, so figure another $10/ea for those.  I also do fancier lighting as a rule, but that's certainly not necessary for a basic command upgrade.

Thanks again! I didn’t want to purchase the units if they couldn’t be upgraded.

No problem with upgrading them, I've done lots of Williams stuff, using both TMCC and the DCS command options.

The first 2 engines I had upgraded without Cruise (what TAS called Engineer on Board). Seemed like an unnecessary added expense to me as a newbie. Then i bought an engine with cruise. What a difference. Since then, I've had all upgrades with the ERR Cruise called Cruise Commander. Well worth the extra few bucks .

What benefits do you get with the cruise commander vs the DC commander?  Is it just better slow speed?

thanks

No, it's really cruise control.  With the DC commander, curves grades, different track voltages, all affect the speed of the locomotive.  With the Cruise Commander, those issues are history.

Thanks