I have a couple of the TMCC direct lock ons # 71-4178-250 6-14178 TMMC Direct Lockon, that I wanted to use for circuit breaker protection but I also wanted to use the transformer along with the 180 power packs. Is there any way to hook these up and still use the transformer with the 180 watt powerhouse units. They were designed to bypass using the transformer and going to the track directly. Thanks for any help.

The 180's plug inside the direct lock-ons. The TMCC lock-ons are for COMMAND control trains only as full power is applied to that track. You cannot use a conventionally-operated engine or they will fly through the air.

If you are using the new ZW's, TR 1 and 4 start at 0 volts. The remote raises track voltage to whatever you want. TR 2 and 3 start at whatever voltage the handles are set at but they can be adjusted after that. No problem if the locomotive is in neutral when you turn on the power.

Use the direct Lockon that fits your track. Lionel has made 4 different versions of the tmcc direct lock-on, most engineering changes in them are to accomodate different track systems. The breaker inside the Direct Lock-on acts in milliseconds, saving trains and their internal wires in case of an accident etc. The breakers in a transformer overload typically to STRONG overloads in 2 PLUS seconds, (some as long as 10 seconds) unless your breaker as been tuned by a professional. Good Luck, Don H.