What do I have here?

You have a TMCC Cab1 Remote, a Transformer (I believe 135W) and a Powermaster base that will allow you to control track voltage with the remote. This will give you remote control capability with Conventional locomotives. You did not show a TMCC Command base. They are still around, so you can get one if you want to run TMCC .

Thank you for the reply. I don't have the remote or power base. I have to buy them separately. I am not sure if the Lionel Trainmaster Command Set 6-12969 CAB-1 Remote Controller is compatible.  What does the remote offer as far as control, sounds, etc. 

The 6-12866 and the 6-28044 should work fine together. Sound with the remote is going to be engine sounds plus bell/whistle.

While I haven't seen one, the PowerStation would appear to allow you to use your PH-1 like a conventional transformer.

The 6-12969 is compatible if you upgrade the locomotive to command control...

Okay...so it looks like I would need to purchase the Cab1 remote and TMCC Command base. 

What would the difference be between 6-12866 and 6-12969. 

If I upgrade the few Lionel locomotives I have to command control, what will be the difference with them?

Also...it looks like Cab2 offers a few different options. With what I have, am I able to purchase a Cab2 instead of Cab1?

Sorry for all the questions, but I greatly appreciate the support. Be well. 

Is that the only Lionel engine that you have ? The reason that I'm asking is because that 6-28044 NYC Hudson is not a command controlled engine . It is command up gradable .Meaning you can purchase the extra components needed . Only then would you need the TMCC  Remote which you did  show in your pictures .It  should run just fine with what you have shown in your pictures . You should be able to hear what ever rail sounds Lionel has in that engine. Maybe your parents can check with the person who sold them that engine and see if it has been upgraded. Only then would you have to purchase more components . Jim

Thank you Summerdale Junction...I have a 4 Lionel engines that were purchased, all year 2000ish. I cannot speak to the gentleman that these were purchased from because he has passed away (which is why I have them). I plan to upgrade them if it is relatively inexpensive and worth it for the additional sounds that come with it. That's why I ask, not sure what the difference is between upgrading them or leaving them be as they are. I am assuming if I leave them as they are, it will just be bell/whistle. If I upgrade them, does that provide the additional rail sounds, engineer communication, etc?

I will still need to purchase Cab1 remote and TMCC Command base. I am just trying to figure out what will be compatible and offer nice options with what I currently have. 

I only have current MTH locomotives and want to make these Lionel's similar. 

I also have this http://www.lionel.com/products...melback-571-6-28018/

which looks like command control?

slipperybrain posted:

I also have this http://www.lionel.com/products...melback-571-6-28018/

That one is TMCC Command Control. With what you have now, all you would need to add is the 6-12911 TMCC Command Control base.

There are guys here that can/will do TMCC conversions. "Affordable" is in the eyes of the beholder.

Thank you Gilly! So the Hudson I can covert if I want...what do I need to purchase to convert it?

If I add the 6-12911 TMCC Command Control base. What remote do I need to add? I do not have one yet. Thank you again for the help!!

Just wait one minute-ski.

How much MTH do you have? If you have 3+ (say) MTH engines, I think you would be better off just selling all that stuff and buying DCS.

This is from a Lionel fanboi mind you.

Hello IllinoisCentral...About 6 years ago I began getting back in to trains. I had a lot of Lionel stuff from the 50's-70's that my father gave to me. Once I bought my own house I wanted to start setting up a layout. I went online and found a whole new world of trains. I came across the MTH line and started buying items, including the DCS system. Currently I have about 8 MTH diesel locomotives (dummies included), mostly Premier line. Looking back, if I had done more research, I probably would have went with Lionel because of the quality. I currently have zero steam engines which is why I want to use the ones from Lionel that I recently came into. 

However...that is not the case. So right now I am stuck with both (good problem to have?). I just do not have all the financial resources to make a huge commitment to both lines, which is why I am trying to figure out what I need to get these Lionel's up and running. Hypothetical...if I were to buy a new Lionel Locomotive, lets say Pennsylvania NS Heritage, will it run with the TMCC and have all the full features or do I need Legacy?

Currently I use the cheaper old stuff that I have with my special education students. They love playing with the trains. We set up a layout in the lobby of the school every year. 

It appear to me from the first picture you have a transformer controller  and 135 watt power brick. They were sold as a set)  The engine is command upgradeable...and unless upgraded...(looking under the hood...to confirm) it is assumed conventional. It will run like your fathers trains...transformer controlled.

The CamelBack on the other hand is full TMCC....and you will require a operating system for it...be it a Cab1 and base or a complete Legacy System.  It can operate on the same track/ at the same time  as your MTH stuff proving your MTH stuff is a DCS System. (Proto 2 and Proto 3....still you will need a few other pieces and parts)  If the MTH stuff you presently have is neither Proto 2 or 3 ....then they are essentially conventional engine...(transformer controlled)

You have to decide if you want to run conventional or some type of operating system.  Both systems are unique so to speak.

Any upgrading of a conventional engine  to TMCC will run at  minimum ballpark of 100 dollars just for the parts...to allow for the full scope...couplers ...sounds and command functions.

Desert Railer...thank you for the information...ouch! I did not realize there would be a $100 price tag to upgrade. That is not too much money, but maybe IllinoisCentral has a point, maybe I should just sell the Lionel items and buy a couple of MTH steam engines. I already have a DCS system that I run with Proto2 and 3 (still trying to learn more about it). 

Without having the Command Base to transmit the TMCC signal and a limited budget....the solution is clear..."Sell"...If you can look on EBay, you can get a rough idea of their value...or invest in a Greenburg's book.

IMO the Camelback is of some value..(possibly several hundred dollars...due to TMCC...condition is key, as well as operation...if you don't have knowledge of either, then all bets are off.) The other items would appear to be common in nature. (conventional engine and transformer and controller). A start/down payment on a  Proto 2 engine...or better yet a few accessories.

I have both systems.....TMCC and DCS....it is a financial leap to do both and do it correctly....especially now with the new and improved TMCC ...aka Legacy.

Good Luck

Desert Railer...you are right...do to it right, it will be more of an investment. I hate to get rid of the Camelback because it is such a nice engine. All the Lionel items I picked up were purchased from an older gentleman who really took care of them. All are in excellent condition in boxes and looked like they are barely run (though I do not know the exact time). I saw on the Lionel website the Camelback was $600 brand new. decisions.  

If you pick up a command base and the appropriate cables, you can interface the TMCC with the DCS.   This will allow you to run the TMCC locos from the DCS remote.  (NOTE:  This is only a one way street.  The TMCC Will Not run the MTH Proto 2 or 3 locos.)  This way you could keep the Camelback and run it with your MTH equipment.

Tom

Tom... Thank you for the information. I will have to look into how to do that. Will it still give the full effects of all the rail sounds? 

Is this what I need to connect my TMCC engines to DCS (plus the cable)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lionel...2:g:XEEAAOSwKtlWqDOa

or does it have to be the 6-12911 TMCC Command Control base

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LIONEL...5:g:NegAAOSwZ8ZW6hWT

As I understand it, you only need the base and the cable. I was going to do this when I bought a Lionel Legacy engine, but then I found out that many features would be dropped operating it from the DCS remote, so I did not implement. However, this is not the case with TMCC.

Hi Keith... That's what I am trying to figure out... Which base that I found above?