I am trying to decide if I want to get TMCC for my portable layout. I only have one TMCC engine. My layout is a portable type that when I am done “playing with it” every day my wife makes me pack it away. Should I just wait to get it when I am able to have a more permanent layout or should I just go for it. I could also use the money for another engine or rolling stock instead.
All I have at the moment is a floor layout, and I would never consider going back to true conventional control. If you think that your TMCC engine runs well in conventional mode, wait until you see how well it runs in command mode. I can almost guarantee that once you try it, you’ll never look back. TMCC is, in my opinion, the best $100 that you can possibly spend in this hobby.
What all do I need to get started? I heard I am able to run my postwar engines off of TMCC also but I need an upgrade for this part.
What was it that Mikey used to say in his commercial “Try it, you’ll lke it.” [^]
If you already have a TMCC engine, I would reccommend going with the upgrade to TMCC operation. For the relatively low cost of the controllers, less than the cost of a conventional loco, you will be able to run TMCC and conventional loco’s on the same layout with a single handheld unit. [8D]
I went with DCS and adding TMCC module. Then you can run both types of engines without haeing to duplicate the entire system.
Portable Layout? I agree with Chief Eagles on this one-start with DCS and add a Lionel Command base (along with the special cable):
For the time being, when my son and I want to run trains we also have to resort to a loop of track on the floor, back lawn, etc. It is very simple to set up command control for this in a way that it can be connected instantly to the track.
Like the Chief said, start with DCS and add the TMCC Command Base so that you will not be duplicating systems. You will not be limiting yourself to TMCC only (unless that is desireable). You will be able to run TMCC and PS-2 in Command and conventional locomotives as well.
If the only loco you have is a command enine, TMCC command Base and a CB-1 gets you started. If you own PS-2 engines, you will need DCS to control them in command mode and get access to their more advanced features. If you have other conventional locomotives, you would need to add “something else”.
If you do decide you wi***o control conventional locomotives, the TPC-300 allows for higher power capacity and additional feature support including incredibly fine voltage level contorl. The older PowerMasters are cheaper but can only control 135 watts and do not get along woth some earlier sound systems. DCS does provide for two channels of conventional control but only 32 steps.
BTW, I use command control on the 4’x4’ Christmas tree base layout. One loop of track, one switch and one accessory track controller. Remote is much easier to deal with than crawling around on floor 
No such thing as too small for commad control, whichever way you decide to go.
Ok I think im gonna go with TMCC. I will prob only buy TMCC engines in the future anyways. Do I still need the power brick or can I just use my ZW? I was thinking of using one side of the ZW for running the outer loop that will have my TMCC engine on and the inside track will be on the other side of the ZW just running my postwar trains using the handle on the ZW.
You can use any power supply that will run the train. The TMCC manual is available on Lionel’s web site in PDF format. You can downlaod this and read about what you are getting into before buying anything. The only recommendation re use of a PW ZW is adding an inline fuse or fast acting breaker.
www.lionel.com, select customer service, select Owners manuals, select TrainMaster Control, hit “go” scroll down to “Complete Guide to Command Control”, 6-12911
About how much is it to get the basic TMCC setup? I figure I can have the outside loop as TMCC and the inside loop to be controled with my ZW on my layout. Also I like the idea of putting inline fuses on my ZW. What size do you recomend?
fuse, 10 amp
TMCC starter set is 6-12969, discount price is usually around $100.
Chuckin’s advice is good. You can get started for $100 with a cab 1 and command base combo. Later buy the TPC unit to run your old postwar engine. The TPC unit refines the AC sine wave and your old postwar engine will run much smoother and at speeds lower than your ZW allows. Engines will not speed up when you hit the horn button. You will also need to buy the seperate sale patch cord that runs between the TPC unit and command base. The TPC unit also accesses features in MTH PS-1 and PS-2 engines. The TPC and patch cord are around $100.
If you go for the upgrades and you aren’t into instant gratification check out E-Bay. I got my starter set there, brand new, for under $80. [tup]
how do you setup a portable layout?
what do you use? what type of wood? size?
My wife is trying to stop me from buying our first train because of space.
Women these days
I set it up on 2 hollow core doors that I lay out. I have posted pictures in the past. I will try to post some updated ones for you this week.
Please post a picture, I need some Ideas