Replies sorted oldest to newest
How many trains do you run at the same time? You have 4 blocks. Do you mean 4 separate loops so you can run 4 trains?
You will need the Legacy #990 system, and then you have a choice.
You could use either of the following:
Either of these combinations will allow you to control two trains on separate power districts from the Legacy controller.
I prefer the TPC route, but if you shop for the 135W PowerMasters, you can frequently score them for $20-30 on eBay, and the PowerMaster Bridge is $49 many places, so they're the cheaper route. It's rate to see a TPC-300 for less than $100.
I started with PowerMasters, but I have a couple of TPC-300's now, I prefer those for this task.
A third option is a Legacy remote and base with a new-style ZW with a couple of Powerhouse bricks. This would give 4 controlled outputs, but only 2 of those are really intended (by Lionel) for running trains, and the other two for accessories.
I run two postwar ZWs followed by a TPC and 3 Powermasters that have bypass switches so that I can run from the ZW handles without any changes from "the old way".
Sure Dale, but you can fix those ZW controllers when they croak! 
I use the bypasses because the controllers all have a residual voltage drop in the "Conventional" mode, and there is a minimum voltage required to operate the control logic.
I lose the current limiting of the Powermasters (the circuit breaker of the TPC is too big/slow) and the Emergency Stop function, but I wouldn't have the CAB in my hand anyway.
Ditch the ZW buy a MTH Z-4000
Don't worry about converting any engines to legacy Lionel doesn't offer any legacy upgrade kits anyway. You can get TMCC upgrade kits but no Legacy.
David
DPC I think you are missing Dale's point. The new style ZW has 4 Powermasters built into it. This gives you 4 controlled tracks without any other items. I have the new style ZW and constantly forget about this very valuable option.
Ron
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
