Conventional Locomotives and the Legacy Cab-1L?

You need more than a TMCC/Legacy command system to run conventional locomotives, you'd also need a PowerMaster or TPC to remotely control the track power.

For the "Legacy Lite", aka the BASE1L/CAB1L setup, I recommend the Lionel 6-37146 Legacy PowerMaster.

Doesn't the Cab-1L set come equipped with the 6-37146 Powermaster?

EDIT: I have an MTH Z-1000 supplying track power.

Not to my knowledge.  Here's the CAB-1L/BASE-1L at Lionel, they don't mention a PowerMaster in the package, it's a separate purchase item.

We use the Cab-1L on The Hi-Rail Layout. But we Are using a Legacy base and a ZWL Transformer.  I run Conventional all the time with this setup.  MTH, Williams, Lionel.

I have a Lionel reproduction ZW, and I know it includes power bricks. Do you know if they are Legacy? I'm gonna go dig and try to find the transformer.

Here are my two command bases, I don't think any of them are correct! :-( Top one from the reproduction ZW-L the bottom one from the Cab-1L set.

OK, I found the top picture is a Lionel PowerHouse PH-1 from 2003. (http://www.lionel.com/products...ower-supply-6-12866/) Could this be used?

Mike I think I have what you need. When I get home tonight I will Check.

I've run MTH ProtoSound 3 engines with a LEGACY CAB-1L/BASE-1L and power supplied by a 180-Watt PowerHouse and LEGACY PowerMaster. Since I have DCS I no longer use this configuration but it was pretty effective at running PS3 locomotives. You have to flip the switch on the side of the PowerMaster from Command to Conventional.

You get some of the PS3 features albeit operating conventionally through the CAB-1L. You just have to remember to hit AUX1 + 8 on the CAB-1L after you power up the track otherwise when you apply the throttle your engine is going to take off at full track power. I think AUX1 + 8 cuts track power to 30%.

The ZW-C with the bricks has the PowerMaster function built in, check the user's manual for that unit on how to program and use it.

If you're going to buy a PowerMaster, buy the Legacy one I mentioned before.  The old one is NOT compatible with the CAB-1L/BASE-1L.

I wonder if some believe that the command systems include the transformer/brick.  the command systems be it cab-1, cab1L, or legacy only provide the signal to perform certain operations.  without power or a way to control the power the command systems do nothing.  if one has a brick you need some in between item so the cab1, cab1L or legacy can very the power for conventional operations or you will have 18 volts to the track all the time.  the lionel ZW transformer has handles to control power output and a way the cab1, cab1L and legacy can "talk" to said ZW and very the power to the track for conventional operation, or provide 18 volts for command operation.

Hi Mike send me a email.

ES44AC,

   Michael the very best way to do what you want for Conventional Remote Control is to add the full DCS package to your TMCC/Legacy layout.  Even better with the Z4K Transformer & the side receiver.  All kinds of great operating options running in this manner.

PCRR/Dave

Hello,

I am building a layout with dual main lines and have a PW ZW "Multi-Control" (6-32930) and, if I read the instructions for it and the Cab-1L & Base-1L correctly, I can control either the A or D tracks with the Cab-1L and set the other for 18 volts and use the Cab-1L to control a TMCC or Legacy equipped locomotive(s). I haven't tried it yet because I am still digesting the instructions and other documents to minimize my possible errors. The layout is already to go with the tracks (Gargraves) and switches (Ross with DZ1000 Controls) all wired and tested. The E - W direction is wired to the A track and the W - E direction wired to the D track and the connecting center rails properly insulated. The switch controls are wired to the B track and the C track is wired to all the lights and accessories that will operate at about 12 volts.

I hope that this is a helpful addition to the conversation.

Will do once I get back from KW.