Legacy/TMCC (TPC) 300

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

Help!

First of all kudos for CTT’s great article on Legacy. We need more of these and sooner rather then later.

I just purchased a TPC 300 so I would be able to run my prewar engines. The owners manual was complete useless to me. What I really need is something similar to the schematic in the July issue of CTT, Simplest Legacy setup. My Legacy is up and running. My power source is the 1950’s ZW which handles everthing quite well. Currently, I am running two loops with no problems. I use a Z and LW for all accesories.Is this enough power. The owner’s manual refers to the ZW and Powerhouse supply. Is this really necessary. My questions are:

  1. Will my ZW be sufficient.

  2. Do I need any special cables?

  3. I do not have CAB 1.

  4. Al my loops and sideing are blocked and controlled through various toggle switches.

  5. Could someone send me provide a simplistic diagram to get me started. My LHS was not of much help.

I am not a ludite but somewhat techically challenged. I wrote to Lionel asking them to have a site on their WEB for easy Legacy hookups for people such as me (will not hold my breath but woud be helpful). I want to get a few SC-2 switch controllers, but I know I will have the same problems .

Thanks as always,

2

You got a “Y” cable with your Legacy. One end matches the old command base, the other “Y” matches the TPC cable. And of course the end matches the Legacy Base. You can connect them up. [Version 1 of manual is horrible] I use the T 1 and T 2 [I have two TPC’s] to run the TPC’s. They will come up in Cab1 mode. Old ZW should do fine. Be sure to have protection between the ZW and electronics or track. Old ZW’s might be too slow the trip. I replace my ZW breakers with resetting automotive type breakers [more dependable]. I have quick acting breaker box between my ZW’s [2 Post War] and electronics.

3

Cheif,

Thanks! I’ll give it a whirl.

4

Ed,

Check out the attached link, it has info regarding the newest Legacy manual from Lionel.

http://cs.trains.com/forums/1450443/ShowPost.aspx

5

I better get my glasses checked at the VA.I missed the photo of the TMCC controller in the manual. Does help. Only my LHS didn’t sell me the cables. I did asked for them, but he thought I didn’t need them. Thanks for remebering the Vets. I did my time.

Thanks,