Father Christmas posted:By "180 watt brick" do you mean a TMCC PowerMaster?? The PowerMaster would replace my TW transformer?? Sounds great to use the TW to power the accessories - lights, buildings, remote switches, etc.
I am not familiar with how a PowerMaster works, does it provide power by direct connection to the tubular track, like my TW transformer did?? I suspect I will need to keep my lock-ons to provide power distribution around my layout - correct??
The Legacy CAB-1L / BASE-1L Set is more than adequate for my needs, I may only have 1 or possibly 2 trains running. Actually, the TMCC seems to meet my needs; the full Legacy 990 set having capabilities of running up to 99 locomotives is "over kill" - mine is a basic layout. Besides, the full Legacy 990 set is expensive, I would rather spend the money on more accessories and/or rolling stock.
I just want remote control of my current train and switches, and later, if I purchase a TMCC/Legacy locomotive, i want to enjoy the features and better train sounds
A Power master is not the same as the 180 watt brick. A power master allows you to remotely control a transformer. A powermaster can be connected to a 180 watt brick or to an old postwar power transformer (TW, ZW, V, Z, etc...). The way it works is that you connect the 180 watt brick or postwar transformer to the power master. The power master is then connected to the track via your lockons. The power master regulates the power going to the track based the commands you send it from the remote.
The CAB1, Legacy 990, or the Cab-1l, ALL have the same ability to control up to 99 engines, accessories, or switches. The CAB-1L is the modern replacement for the CAB1 as it is no longer made. The Legacy 990 set gives you access to more features in a legacy locomotive. The 990 remote has the whistle slider control as well as the train brake slider which the cab-1L does not. The 990 also has an LCD screen so you can see which engine/accessory/switch you are sending commands to.
To control your existing postwar trains, the Cab-1L will give you everything you need. It will also be able to control TMCC and Legacy locomotives. The Cab-1L will fall a little short in controlling Legacy locomotives but you will have access to all the sounds.
