Question about wiring the Lionel Track Power Controllers

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

Hello all,

Will the various Lionel track power controllers work with postwar transformers, or do they require one of the Lionel power “bricks”? I have a friend who hasn’t bought TMCC yet and has no TMCC engines, but would like to control his conventional engines with the CAB-1. I have already told him that it’s possible, but I’m unsure of how the TPC’s are powered. I will appreciate any guidance. Thanks!

Joel

2

Here is Lionel’s manual on the TPC. I got one a while back & use my postwar ZW for it . One of the best things I ever did was to get this !! You will need the command base & cab-1 also.

http://www.lionel.com/products/productnavigator/InstructionManuals/71-4189-250.pdf

Thanks, John

3

I use 180 and 135 watt Lionel PowerHouses now but in the past have linked pw ZWs and a MTH Z4ks to my TPCS. You just set the throttles on the ZW and/or Z4k at 16-18 volts if using the TMCC system. Both of these transformers are limited to 180 watts [10 amps] capacity per throtle. 180 watts is the maxium output of a pw 275 ZW

4

The original 135 watt PM-1 Powermasters can be used with the CAB-1 to control trains in conventional mode. No Command Base required. Up to 10 PM-1’s per layout can be used on each CAB-1 frequency for non-command equipment.

Rob

5

Thanks to you all! Wow, I didn’t know you could use the CAB-1 with the original PowerMasters with no command base. My friend will be REALLY happy to hear that.

Joel