Got Legacy up and running but could not find how to run a conventional engine with the remote. Is it possible and where are the instructions? Thanks.

The simple answer is the same way you would with a CAB-1.

The complex answer is that you need things like a ZW/PH combo or a TPC/PH, or a PM/PH.

Is your Legacy replacing a TMCC set-up? How are you powering your track?

With the PM/PH combo you need a legacy bridge. The legacy bridge plugs into the Y cable, so unfortunately if you were still running the cab-1/command base you lose that functionality.

Thanks!

can you please explain all the abbreviations. I am considering getting command control, but right now I run only conventional. I don't what you mean by TPC/PH combo, etc....

Thanks!

Those items are the TMCC/Legacy components that permit variable voltage to the track, throw turnouts, etc. (TPC-Track power Controller), PM - Power master)

Do they come with the system when you buy it?

No. That is one of the reasons I purchased DCS. That functionality is built in the base system. While I have both Legacy (TMCC) and DCS, I can control my layout track voltage with the basic DCS system. To control turnouts and other such accessories, an AIU is needed which adds ~ $100 more to the DCS price.

Hmmmm....interesting. Will have to look more into DCS then. I had read that it is more compatible than Legacy, but was a little more difficult to learn.

Both systems are good. To select one over another, you need to understand how you are going to run your trains. With a list of features for both systems check off which features are provided by the different systems. If you rank those features in order of importance to you, you should be able to select the system that is a best fit for you. I started with TMCC and when the limitations of that system (based upon how I run my trains) effected the way I ran my trains, I went to DCS in a big way with more than 30 Proto2 engines. Since the introduction of Legacy engines I have purchased 5 Legacy engines and 2 Proto2 engines. Having both systems, I have reached the point that with Legacy in play, I do not care whether the engine is Proto 2 or Legacy. I select my purchases based on the engine's features and how a particular engine will fit on my layout.

quote:

Originally posted by timd35:
can you please explain all the abbreviations. I am considering getting command control, but right now I run only conventional. I don't what you mean by TPC/PH combo, etc....

Thanks!

I will try to keep the descriptions easy to understand.

The Legacy CAB2 accepts user commands and sends digital signals to the Command Base.

The Command Base receives the signals from the CAB2 and sends digital signals to TMCC/Legacy locomotives and TMCC components.

The Power House (PH) receives 110V 60 Hz from the wall outlet and converts it to 18V 60Hz.

The ZW works in two different modes, conventional and command. In conventional mode, it receives 18V 60Hz from the PHs and sends it to the tracks (up to four) under control from the handles (and horn/whistle/bell). In command mode, the ZW receives the digital signals from the command base, which determine the voltage and whistle/horn/bell signals sent to the tracks (up to four). ZWs can support both conventional and TMCC/Legacy locomotives.

The Track Power Controller (TPC) receives the digital signals from the command base and 18V 60Hz from the PH(s). The TPC also works in two modes, conventional and command. In conventional mode the TPC receives the digital signals from the command base which determine the voltage and whistle/horn/bell signals sent to the track. In command mode the TPC passes the digital signals and the entire 18V 60Hz through to the track. TPCs can support both conventional and TMCC/Legacy locomotives.

The Power Master (PM) is an earlier version of the TPC. It receives signals directly from the CAB1 and needs a special bridge interface to work with Legacy.

The TMCC Direct Lock On receives the digital signals from the command base and 18V 60Hz from the PH. It applies both to the track. It only supports TMCC/Legacy locomotives.

When the ZW and/or the TPC are in conventional mode, they will still support TMCC/Legacy locomotives because the digital signals are still sent to the tracks.

I learned most of this information here on this forum. The Lionel catalogs and owner’s manuals have many details but do not describe the big picture, which creates more questions than answers.

Thanks Red. You don't have to have a ZW do you? I have an MRC dual power transformer.

quote:

Originally posted by timd35:
Thanks Red. You don't have to have a ZW do you? I have an MRC dual power transformer.

You do not need a ZW.

If all you have is the CAB2, Command Base and the MRC DPT, you can run TMCC or Legacy equipped locomotives.

If you want to run conventional locomotives you would need to add a TPC and wire it between the MRC DPT and the track. The TPC would receive the digital signals from the command base and send the appropriate voltage/horn/bell/whistle signals to the track. You would need a TPC and power source per track loop.

Is the "bridge" now available?

yes you can get the bridge bob