Hello all,
I usually follow the HO forum, so I may have missed this topic. If it has been beaten to death, I appologize in advance! I am interested in buying a C-420 (like the ones in the 2001 Lionel catalog). I currently do not have TMCC. I have the CW-80 transformer and a berkshire with Railsounds. Works great.
My questions are: Can I run the Command C-420 with my CW-80? Will the Railsounds work? If I buy the Traditional C-420 is there any problem upgrading with the Railsounds Upgrade kit? Would the upgrade also work with my CW-80?
RailSounds will work as well on the CW-80 as on any other transformer with enough amps to run it. You will not be able to access sounds that require TMCC to access. This includes the AUX sound keys (cab chatter /tower com/independent engine revs, coupler sounds and brake squeal). The engin speed will vary with track voltage. You will also need to install a battery to allow sounds to continue after track voltage drops below 7 volts.
Well, I have had TMCC for a year on Dec 25, and I had only one problem w/ the command base. The C420 will work on the CW, but I would suggest spending an extra hundred dollars, and get the TMCC set which includes the Command Base and the Cab1 controller. I would also suggest getting one of the newer C420’s because it has an upgraded feature, the Oddessy system, for speed control. I have 2 and I love them both, they are the newer ones, Seaboard, and Lehigh Valley, and both have oddessy