@Landsteiner posted:You will be operating in conventional mode, but direction, bell and whistle should be functional with the ZW-L. TMCC/Legacy may require a later version Powermaster, as the early Powermasters from the 1990s did not play well with PS1 locos and might not do so with PS3. No experience. You'll probably just have to experiment, but my understanding is the ZW-L has the previously developed firmware to control PS2 and PS3 locos in conventional mode. Might want to email Dave at Lionel and check, unless someone here has direct experience with the ZW-L and PS3. I don't.
Thanks! Since this is a Premier locomotive, I'll need to confirm functionality so I don't add an expensive "Shelf Queen". I haven't combined operating systems on my O Gauge layout, although my smallish standard gauge layout operates with a Z-4000. Over time I may finally install my Command Control DCS system on the SG layout to access more of the functions on the SG locos.
@RickO posted:You'll need a Lionel TPC unit or a Legacy Powermaster.
( one of the newer zw's might have one already integrated into the transformer? Not sure)
Either component will allow Legacy handheld control of speed, direction, whistle,bell,electrocouplers, and some of the passenger/freight announcements.
I operated a few MTH PS 2 locos via a TPC unit. Once under way. It was hard to tell they weren't under cc. They ran very well. Also smoked like crazy, which is adjustable manually via the smoke "pot" on the tender
Additionally , since MTH locos already have a battery or bcr as part of the electronics. Lights and sound do not drop out during conventional direction changes.
Thanks, Rick. I never would have thought of a TPC unit for this purpose -Interesting! I think the ZW-L has the Power Houses built into the transformer, but not the Power Master. Worth checking, though.
