Remote control with Postwar Lionel

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

I apologize for asking the same question that may have been answered a hundred times in the last month. I own all toy trains (postwar, Standard and MPC) I also don’t fully understand the abilities of modern TMCC or DCS.

I am building a layout featuring the above with mostly postwar accs. I may purchase a modern engine in the future but will mostly operate toy trains on this layout. I have a ZW and a KW to operate the trains. I recently saw a layout running Am. Flyer S and some Standard trains. The owner was using a Z400 w/ remote control for the trains.

My question is: 1) Can I operate my layout using remote control? If so, how?
2) Is there any benefit to adding TMCC or DCS if I am only
using post/prewar stuff?

2

Hey, Elvis,

I see you have a birthday coming up next Sunday, Jan. 8. TCB, Man!

Jim

3

Elvis,

Here’s a link to basic TMCC operations for non command-equipped trains:

http://www.coilcouplers.com/tmc/noncom.html

  • Lou
4
  1. Yes. Here’s what you’ll need:

CAB-1 Remote Controller, 12868, to address the PowerMaster
PowerMaster, 24130, to control how much voltage goes to the track at up to 180W power
Power Adapter Cable, 12893, to connect your ZW or KW to PowerMaster

You will need one PowerMaster and one Power Adapter Cable for each loop or block of track (up to 10). Lionel also offers TPC300 and TPC400 controllers in lieu of the PowerMaster to control up to 400 watts, but you would also need a Command Base for these.

With the CAB-1, PM, and cable, you will have wireless walk-around throttle, direction, and whistle control.

Note: The TMCC and PowerMaster systems are intended to operate at up to 18 volts. Check your standard gauge locos to verify they don’t need higher voltage to operate properly.

  1. No
5

Everyone seems to be telling you how to do it, but nobody is telling you what it is.

Command Control is the ability to “talk to” locomotives and other devices individually. In practical terms it means that multiple engines equipt with receivers can be controlled separately on the same track.

Conventional engines like you have mentioned will need to have a way to regulate the track voltage. Lionel has the Powermaster for this function. It can be controlled by the Cab-1 remote. They could also be retrofitted with receivers to run in command mode.

Engines with receivers operating in command mode, need full constant voltage applied to the track. The speed control is accomplished by sending a signal to the receiver which controls the voltage going to the motor.

Modern locomotives also have a lot more functions that can be controlled using the command system.