Lionel Legacy Diesels and Lionel Legacy Control System CAB-2 (6-14295)

@DILLI Welcome to the Forum!  I'll skip to answer #2 and leave opinions on #1 to others here.

I like to run Conventional locomotives with the Legacy CAB 2 remote (handheld part of the #990) and I also use postwar transformers.  The solution is the Lionel Legacy PowerMaster.  There are 2 current Legacy versions (links below):

Legacy Powermaster 135/180 Watts SKU: 6-37146

Legacy PowerMaster 360 Watts SKU: 6-82883

They take a fixed AC voltage input from a transformer (typically 18V) and output a variable voltage according to the throttle (big red knob) position on the Legacy Cab 2 remote.  Each PowerMaster can control one Conventional Locomotive at a time.  In your case, you could connect the variable (AU) output of the LW, set to 18 Volts, to the input of the PowerMaster.  The PowerMaster's output would connect directly to the track.  PowerMasters can also be bypassed, with a switch on their side, to provide full output voltage to run Legacy, TMCC 1, or LionChief Locomotives.

For the LW, the 135/180 Watt PowerMaster would be the correct match.

Note: Sometimes confused are the Legacy PowerHouse 180 is an 18V fixed output transformer and would still require a PowerMaster to provide remote controlled variable voltage to Conventional Locomotives.

Note edited for LW transformer connection.

I love Lionel Legacy. I use the #990 Set, and it is a fantastic system. I own a BNSF GP35 with Legacy that I bought new in 2019 (also my first Legacy loco). The engine is fantastic. I also have a 180W Powermaster and 180W Powerhouse combo so I can run my conventional train set ATSF Atlantic from 2004-05 or so. I love running conventional locos with Legacy because I have the walk-around capability of the CAB-2 remote. I would totally recommend Legacy to any O-gauge train operators.

Lionel has GP30s, GP35s, GP7/9s, FM C-Liners, Switchers, and FM H-16-44s and even some larger four and six-axle locos that will operate on tighter O36 curves, like the B40-8Ws (I have the ATSF version; great engine as well), SD70ACes, U-Boats, FM Trainmasters, SD60s, and SD70MACs. You could also check out their Lionchief Plus 2.0 locos that have TMCC and Bluetooth. You can run TMCC locos with Legacy, by the way.

Also, If you add additional equipment (Lionel Layout Control System or LCS), you can use the Legacy system to operate switches and accessories, as well as the trains. I'm planning to add LCS to a future layout.

I noticed that you said you were using LW transformers, not KW.  Most of the info provided above should still be correct, it's just that the binding posts on the transformer may be named differently.  Search the web for owner's manuals for the LW.  Also, while many BIG diesels are made to run on / squeeze through O36 or O31 curves, they will look terrible doing so.  Sticking with smaller / shorter equipment will provide a much more satisfying experience.

Chuck

@PRR1950 Thank you for catching my mistake.  I changed my reply to refer specifically to the LW.  The PowerMaster 180 is a good match with the LW, KW, and many others.

Thank you to everyone for your posts. Being new to this forum, I am not sure how to respond individually to your posts. Maybe someone can tell me? In the meantime, let me just make a general reply to all of the posts.

Dylan The Train Man: I agree - I definitely want the ability to walk around my layout and control the trains. For that reason, it seems like the #990 is what I want.

PRR1950: I agree with the size of the locomotive. I do not want one of the long diesels. Some of them are really long. (SDs for example.) I want a shorter Legacy diesel that I can run (and which will look right) on 031 and 036 curves.

Steve H: In terms of the equipment I will need, here is what I am understanding:

1. The #990 refers to the Legacy Command Set. This set includes the #991 LEGACY CAB-2 Remote Controller and the #992 LEGACY Command Base/Charger.

2. I will also need the Legacy PowerMaster 135/180 Watts (6-37146).

3. I will connect the Legacy PowerMaster 135/180 Watts (6-37146) output directly to the track. I will turn my LW transformer to maximum voltage and connect it to the Legacy PowerMaster 135/180 Watts (6-37146) input.

4. You said the following in your response: "In your case, you could connect the variable (AU) output of the LW, set to 18 Volts, to the input of the PowerMaster.  The PowerMaster's output would connect directly to the track. "

On the LW, the U post is for the middle rail and is the hot wire or power wire. The A post is for the outer rails and is the ground. I am trying to picture all of this in my mind.

Question #1: If I connect the U (hot) and A(ground) variable output wires from the LW to the PowerMaster input, we are talking about two wires which cannot touch each other. Can I assume there will be two posts on the PowerMaster input to accommodate each of these wires?

Question #2: In terms of connecting the PowerMaster to the track, we are again talking about two wires that cannot touch each other. Can I assume there will be two posts on the PowerMaster output to accommodate the U(hot) and A(ground) wires?

@DILLI posted:

Question #1: If I connect the U (hot) and A(ground) variable output wires from the LW to the PowerMaster input, we are talking about two wires which cannot touch each other. Can I assume there will be two posts on the PowerMaster input to accommodate each of these wires?

Question #2: In terms of connecting the PowerMaster to the track, we are again talking about two wires that cannot touch each other. Can I assume there will be two posts on the PowerMaster output to accommodate the U(hot) and A(ground) wires?

Here is the Legacy Powermaster manual.  It will answer a lot of your questions.  If using an older transformer you'll need to adapt the 2 wires to a molex connection.  Lionel has these but are also fairly easy to make.  TMCC Power Adapter Cable 6-12893.  There is a good thread here about this.

@DILLI posted:

Thank you to everyone for your posts. Being new to this forum, I am not sure how to respond individually to your posts. Maybe someone can tell me? In the meantime, let me just make a general reply to all of the posts.

Hover mouse pointer over gear icon in lower right of the reply box you want to quote.

Or if you want to get the attention of someone specific without quoting, type the @ symbol followed by their OGR Username.  Like this @DILLI

I'll reply momentarily to the other questions.

@MartyE posted:

Here is the Legacy Powermaster manual.  It will answer a lot of your questions.  If using an older transformer you'll need to adapt the 2 wires to a molex connection.  Lionel has these but are also fairly easy to make.  TMCC Power Adapter Cable 6-12893.  There is a good thread here about this.

Thank you, Marty!

@SteveH posted:

Hover mouse pointer over gear icon in lower right of the reply box you want to quote.

Or if you want to get the attention of someone specific without quoting, type the @ symbol followed by their ORG Username.  Like this @DILLI

I'll reply momentarily to the other questions.

Thank you, Steve. Looking forward to your response!

See replies within quote box:

@DILLI posted:

Steve H: In terms of the equipment I will need, here is what I am understanding:

1. The #990 refers to the Legacy Command Set. This set includes the #991 LEGACY CAB-2 Remote Controller and the #992 LEGACY Command Base/Charger. Yes

2. I will also need the Legacy PowerMaster 135/180 Watts (6-37146). Yes

3. I will connect the Legacy PowerMaster 135/180 Watts (6-37146) output directly to the track. I will turn my LW transformer to maximum voltage [Not to exceed 18V, can be less] and connect it to the Legacy PowerMaster 135/180 Watts (6-37146) input. Yes with caveat.

4. You said the following in your response: "In your case, you could connect the variable (AU) output of the LW, set to 18 Volts, to the input of the PowerMaster.  The PowerMaster's output would connect directly to the track. "

On the LW, the U post is for the middle rail and is the hot wire or power wire. The A post is for the outer rails and is the ground. I am trying to picture all of this in my mind.

Question #1: If I connect the U (hot) and A(ground) variable output wires from the LW to the PowerMaster input, we are talking about two wires which cannot touch each other. Can I assume there will be two posts on the PowerMaster input to accommodate each of these wires?  Yes, you'd need a 6-12893 (two wires) adapter cable to connect the LW A and U terminal posts to the Molex 3 pin input connector on the PowerMaster.

Question #2: In terms of connecting the PowerMaster to the track, we are again talking about two wires that cannot touch each other. Can I assume there will be two posts on the PowerMaster output to accommodate the U(hot) and A(ground) wires?  Yes

As Marty suggested, reading the Legacy Manuals (PowerMaster and CAB 2) is highly recommended!

@SteveH posted:

See replies within quote box:

As Marty suggested, reading the Legacy Manuals (PowerMaster and CAB 2) is highly recommended!

Will do! Thank you!

@DILLI posted:

This is my first post ever with OGR. I was really into model railroading in the 1970s. Then life happened and I got busy with other things. All of my train equipment that I had at the time was sold or thrown out. Fast forward to 2021 - this past August I got back into the hobby at a feverish pitch and I am super excited to move forward. It has been a steep learning curve for me because so much has changed since the 1970s, but I am enjoying every minute of it!

I am working on building my collection again. I use only Lionel Fastrack (031 and 036) and I have two Lionel LW transformers that have been serviced and modified internally by professionals to be TMCC/Legacy protected. Right now I only have one locomotive to my name - a postwar 1953 Lionel 736 Berkshire with Magne-Traction along with a 2046W Tender. I absolutely love it. It runs so smoothly and I can actually run it quite slowly with lots of freight cars or lighted passenger cars in tow and it just chugs along nicely. It obviously does not have the cruise function you might find in a CAN motor system, but it just runs so tranquilly down the track.

Through my visits to local model railroading clubs recently, I have witnessed the new CAN motors in operation and I love what I see. I am looking to buy a brand new diesel locomotive and I am interested in the Lionel Legacy line of diesels.

My questions:

1)  I want a GP30/GP35/GP38 style diesel that has 2 CAN motors, traction tires, and can function on 031 or 036 curves at the most. I realize the Legacy diesels come loaded with tons of great electronic features. Can anyone give me some suggestions or guidance in terms of major things to consider when buying a new Lionel Legacy diesel locomotive?

2)  I also am interested in the Lionel #990 Legacy Command Set. But here is the twist - I will want to run both the postwar 736 Berkshire as well as the brand new Legacy diesel with the #990. What will I need to consider in order to be able to run the 736 Berkshire with the #990? I am told it can be done, but few people seem to know the details in terms of how.

Hello DILLI - In response to your first question I am attaching a video I produced that covers some salient differences between TMCC and Legacy Diesels. One of the diesels I compared was a Lionel TMCC GP30 that can negotiate those tight curves. Lots of pros and cons between Lionel's TMCC and Legacy System.  Best of luck to you!

@@T1Titan_ZachF posted:

Hello DILLI - In response to your first question I am attaching a video I produced that covers some salient differences between TMCC and Legacy Diesels. One of the diesels I compared was a Lionel TMCC GP30 that can negotiate those tight curves. Lots of pros and cons between Lionel's TMCC and Legacy System.  Best of luck to you!

Thank you! I will watch it this evening!

Since the Legacy system can do everything that the TMCC system can do and a lot more, to me the choice is easy.  If you want a second remote like the old CAB1, just pickup a CAB1L, it connects to the Legacy command base and emulated the old TMCC CAB1.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Since the Legacy system can do everything that the TMCC system can do and a lot more, to me the choice is easy.  If you want a second remote like the old CAB1, just pickup a CAB1L, it connects to the Legacy command base and emulated the old TMCC CAB1.

@gunrunnerjohn

Gotcha! Makes sense.

@DILLI posted:

I have two Lionel LW transformers that have been serviced and modified internally by professionals to be TMCC/Legacy protected.

Do you happen to know if those modifications to your LW included installing fast acting circuit breakers?  These are highly recommended for using postwar transformers to power locomotives with newer electronics in them such as TMCC/Legacy, LionChief and DCS, etc.  This circuit protection can be further enhanced with TVS diodes.

When you're ready to learn more about these subjects, here are a couple of OGR links:

Fast Acting Circuit Breakers

Airpax Snapac "Instant" Hydraulic-Magnetic Circuit Breaker Internal Mechanisms

@SteveH posted:

Do you happen to know if those modifications to your LW included installing fast acting circuit breakers?  These are highly recommended for using postwar transformers to power locomotives with newer electronics in them such as TMCC/Legacy, LionChief and DCS, etc.  This circuit protection can be further enhanced with TVS diodes.

When you're ready to learn more about these subjects, here are a couple of OGR links:

Fast Acting Circuit Breakers

Airpax Snapac "Instant" Hydraulic-Magnetic Circuit Breaker Internal Mechanisms

@SteveH

Yes - Hennings Trains, located in Southeast PA, handles the fast acting circuit breaker upgrade to the transformers. The circuit breakers are wired inside the transformers to protect the TMCC and Legacy equipment.