Train Compatibility

Any model equipped with TMCC, regardless of manufacturer, can be operated with either a Cab-2 (in TMCC mode), or the older Cab-1.

In addition, with certain additional equipment, like the ZW-L transformer or TPC's, trains without TMCC (including MTH) can be run in conventional mode with Legacy.

 

Andy

Ok, that's a good one Andy, HOW does a train run in conventional mode with Legacy.  I don't know how that's done.  Could you explain that one briefly ?

JustHookUpTheTransformer,FlipSwitchAndYourGoodToGo.

I run Legacy, DCS and TMCC locos in good old-fashioned real conventional on my layout.  I have visited friends' layouts who showed me how they can run "conventional" in Legacy. Neat trick, but it looked like a trick, requiring some set up and programming and all - I didn't follow all the steps.  It worked, but frankly seemed like a lot of to-do just to get conventional performance from a loco. 

Lee;

I must Agree, even with DCS running in Conventional is not a one click change, tho once it's set up it's one button to enter that mode if you are running a single loop.

 

I would point out that modern Lionel and MTH engines have a significant amount of added capacity in Command mode over what they will do in Conventional.

 

While it is not for everyone, I certainly enjoy command control.

On my Carpet Central RR, I turn off the Legacy Cab 2 when I put my Post-War F3's on the line, but apparently ya'll are talking about something slightly different than taking Legacy out of the loop.  Enlighten me further please !!

 

You need an intermediate device to accomplish this, like the ZW-L transformer, a PowerMaster or the old TPC's.

 

If you have a Lionel ZW-L transformer, Legacy can control the voltage of each of the four channels, depending on how you set up the transformer (in command mode with each channel getting an assigned ENG or TR ID number).  It dials the voltage up or down based on the signal it receives from the CAB controllers.  We use a ZW-L to power our modular layout and we run anything and everything this way.

 

Lionel's PowerMasters and old TPC's (Track Power Controllers) operate the same way - they vary the output voltage to the track based on the signal they receive from the CAB controller.

 

Essentially with these devices, you control the voltage virtually with the CAB rather than physically with the transformer handle.

 

Andy

 

 

Russell, I am with you on that.  I love command.  BTW, are we going to see you at Passenger Train Collectors next month?

Thanks a million Andy for your response. I have a brand new ZW-L transformer waiting but my next question per the info you provided is "How do I assign a ID# for an F3 to run on a designated loop or is its operation based on the amount of track voltage that the assigned loop will have"?  I did also buy a AC Commander board for future modification of my F3's, hopefully I won't have to use them, ???

For the ZW-L (in command mode), you are assigning the ID#'s to the transformer outputs, not to an engine.  So you would address the ID# of output connected to the loop you wish to run.  If the loop contains a Legacy or TMCC engine, you address the output/track ID#, dial up the voltage all the way and then address the engine's ID# to run it.  If the engine is conventional, you just use the output/track ID# to control the voltage and thus the engine.  The ZW-L manual explains how to program the ID#'s.   The ZW-L is one great transformer! 

 

Andy

 

 

Yes, you will need the AC Commander if and when you decide you want to have direct control of the F3, not just track voltage control.  (I am just finishing up an AC Commander installation on a PW F3 2344.)

Gregg,  When TMCC first came out it was only a Power Master and a CAB-1.  The Cab-1 can talk to the power master which is basically a remote controlled transformer.  You can change voltage for speed control, activate a bell or whistle signal, momentarily cut voltage with the direction button, and additionally you had the boost and brake feature, plus emergency kill.

 

Like changing a room fan setting with a remote.

 

Later they added the Command base that talks to the engine.

 

So for your conventional engines you can still do this as long as you have a device that acts like the Power Master and that can talk to the Cab or Command Base.

For Legacy CAB-2 it is the Legacy Power Master or a ZW-L.  Just realize running conventional and command on the same track is more complex since you need to vary voltage to control the conventional train.  But on a separate loop it works great.  ONE Handheld can control TMCC/LEGACY and Conventional engines.  G

Greg,

   Depending on the equipment you invest in you can run all the different Legacy, TMCC, DCS/P2-P3, and all the old conventionals on your layout at the same time. Along with the ZW-L you can run the Z4K with side receiver and your Legacy, giving you a lot of different options for running all your different trains, I use 2 different Z4K's with side receivers and some older ZW's, with both Legacy and DCS, simply a fantastic control set up. 

PCRR/Dave

Gentleman, Thanks - Pine Creek, GGG, Dale, Andy an Marty, and anyone I might have overlooked, Thank you all again for the input.  You have all made my day, I bought the ZW-L about 2.5 years ago waiting for the clearance of my basement so that my brother-in-law and his crew can start the renovation and remodeling of my basement RR (tentatively called the Gotham & Countryside RR).  I've only plugged up the ZW-L to see it light up and basically I've never touched it again(while cleaning out my basement from old stuff accumulated and a major flood) while going to train shows, York, open houses and building my collection. I'm now as we speak have 72 hours to a complete spic and span, empty basement.  I turn it over to my brother-in-law and wait.  Your input on this question will serve me invaluably and I can't wait to get started.  I bought an AC Commander while at York for my F3's and I'll probably continue that route but with what you've provided me with, this opens up even more possibilities on my layout.  Thanks a million again for all of your feedback, I'm heading home from work charged up to finish this clean out. - MARSHELANGELO 

Greg

I would have liked to answer you original question. The other member have done a excellent job.

 

I could not put it into words but if you were in my area I would show you how it's done the old way with a TPC.  Soo easy.

 

You have the new ZW-L so you are well on your way advanced.

 

REMEMBER:  Andy said: you are assigning the ID#'s to the transformer outputs, not to an engine.

 

Same as with the TPC.

 

Good luck on your adventure.

 

Larry

Thanks anyway Larry, it's the thought that counts and who knows, with me soon to embark on this new leg of my journey into trains far different from the 4x8 layout I had as a kid, I'm quite sure that you'll get another shot at answering my new questions.  Once again, THANK YOU - MARSHELANGELO

Sunset Third Rail, Weaver, Atlas, Lionel and K-Line all offer TMCC equipped engines (and non TMCC engines as well).

 

Any TMCC engine can run from the original base or legacy base.

 

Also engines that were not TMCC could have been upgraded to TMCC by someone.

Thanks Bill, A quick question; The other companies that have TMCC in their roster, by chance would you know if the Tower and Crew Talk that they have, has the same blurred unintelligible crew talk as Lionel TMCC.