TPC 300 or TPC 400, what are the differences

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=841tryZ8oIE

https://www.lionelsupport.com/...ents/71-4189-250.pdf

TPC 300 up to 2 135 watt powerhouse(s)

TPC 400 up to 2 180 watt powerhouse

in the past TPC 400(s) were hard to find

 One 180w brick per district, the way your doing it, is the ideal way to do it. The 300 will work just fine, and the features of the TPC's are the same.

 Side Note: Two 180w bricks through a TPC does work, but when theres derailments, the wheels try spot welding to the rails. Its "too much power" as they say.

Frank, I strongly recommend you forget the TPC and instead look at the Legacy PowerMaster products, there is a 180W and a 360W version, they're the current blend.  With a single 180W brick for each power district, the 180W model is a perfect match.

The only significant difference in the 300 and 400 is the size of the circuit breakers.

GRJ, thank you very much. I get it, it is 2019 and should use the current crop of technology. OK, now I need some parental guidance. If I put one of those Power Masters between the track and PH180 brick how do I regulate the voltage when using a conventional loco? Does it have a knob and pot or does it have a remote control? Also, I would like to add a Legacy command base and CAB 1L to the layout, what part numbers do I need and how does that fit in with using one of those Power Masters? thanks again.

Frank, you control the voltage on the PowerMaster exactly the same way you would be doing it with the TPC, it's assigned a TMCC engine number and you control it with the big red knob on the TMCC or Legacy remote.

If you want the full Legacy, look for this at your favorite dealer: Legacy 6-14295 #990 Command Set

If you would like the modern TMCC setup, this is it: Legacy 6-37147 CAB-1L/Base-1L Command Set

If you have the full Legacy command base, and would like to add the smaller TMCC Controller, this is it: Legacy 6-37155 CAB-1L Remote Controller

Thank you very much GRJ, is there any functionality that requires the full system with the CAB2 or can I do everything with the set that comes with the base and CAB1? Seems to be a pretty large price jump and I can't read the LCD anyway.

If you're going to invest in Legacy locomotives, then the full CAB2 is useful.  If you don't have any immediate plans to go with Legacy locomotives, the CAB1L/BASE1L set will serve you fine.

Thank you so much for all your help here and always. I suppose it would be best to future proof me and get the fullLegacy. I onlyhave one Legacy loco now but that is sure to change in the future.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

If you're going to invest in Legacy locomotives, then the full CAB2 is useful.  If you don't have any immediate plans to go with Legacy locomotives, the CAB1L/BASE1L set will serve you fine.

Nothing really to add, just commenting because I think GRJ's reply here is the most 'to the point' and accurate response I've  ever seen to this question.  Good job, GRJ

Model train stuff, by far has the best prices for legacy #990  #993 expansion pack or the cab1l.  Check them out.

Hi all bear with me I am new at this stuff. If I connect the full Legacy command base to the layout can I program engines, switches, and power masters with the CAB1L remote or do I need to use the full CAB2 remote? Also when I looked at the set in the store it appeared to come with plugs about 3/4 of an inch wife that plug into the ports behind the rubber doors onthe base and remote. What are these for? thanks