J.R.,
Since you stated you are fairly new to this, I want to add a couple more things that may (or may not) help.
John (above) is correct on lower cost and ease of setup by just using a PW ZW. The PW ZW outputs about 190 watts, similar to the PH180 and much more than a CW-80. It also gives you handles to control voltage, which many people like. Plus, its easier to setup (see diagram). When using an older transformer like the PW ZW, the 10 amp fast blow fuse (or a fast resettable CB) is mandatory for command engines because the ZW's CB is very slow. Still use the TVSs.
If you are still looking at using a Legacy PowerMaster to control your conventional engines, and you have a transformer other than a PH180 (or PH135), you will need an adapter cable to connect to the Powermaster. This is because the only connection available on the PowerMaster is through a Molex connector, or what Lionel calls a transformer jack.
Lionel sells a Power Adapter Cable (6-12893) but its expensive.
You can also make your own much cheaper using connectors from Mouser or Digikey. John and CJACK have done many posts on this; do a search for them. I have in my notes the Mouser part number for the female connector is 538-03-09-2032.
All that said, I would either go with John's recommendation to use a ZW, or use the PH180/LPM combo.
