Lionel Legacy System

Most defiantly worth it.  Once you try it out you wont ever run command control again!  As for the availability, they are out there, just have to search around.  When I was looking for mine I had to buy from Amazon since no one seemed to have them.  

I think that Legacy is great. It is simple to use, simple to set-up and has some great features. I'd never want to be without it. 

I have an old Lionel type ZW 250 watt transformer. Will the Legacy system work with this transformer?

That should tell you something.

Yes the ZW will work with Legacy. Thats the one thing you can say about Lionel, no matter what equipment old or new , engines and or power, they have all worked together without any modifications needed. Quite an accomplishment.

If you go to lionels website their are a lot of videos about Legacy.Fairly simple 1 wire hook up.

By the way Yes I think its awesome, and with another piece of equipment- like the powermaster, or similiar product, you can run anything you have by remote.

kewl

reason you can not find the legacy systems is they sell out.

 

charles ro does not say on order;

http://www.charlesro.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CRSC&Product_Code=L14295&Category_Code=

So the link you posted has them in stock?

Nope, don't buy the 990 Legacy system! Buy the ZWL!
ITS GOT EVERYTHING built inside. You will never regret it!

J Daddy, I'm not sure I understand. Don't you still need the Cab2 and base for all the Legacy features to function?  

Forgive me if I am wrong  but I believe you only need a remote. So you could purchase the 993 add on system. Saw the ZW-L last Sunday and I am still seeing stars... goodbye post war ZW.

You want quick tripping circuit breaker for new electronics in today's Legacy or other locos.  I went to 180 bricks.  They pop fast sometimes too fast.

Old transformers will take awhile to kick out... red light, smoking wires, etc. 

Gsgood, You absolutely need to buy the Legacy 993 Cab-2 and base. The ZW-L will not replace this. The 993 base IS the Legacy brain. The ZW-L is an amazing transformer but your postwar ZW will work just fine. I would also recommend a powerhouse lockon to each track or some other form of fast acting fuse as the postwar ZW has very slow fuses that will fry your locomotives before they trip.

What about the 990?

The 990 is the command set.  Legacy Base and Cab2.  You will need this set to get started with Legacy.

 

http://www.lionel.com/Products...neID=&CatalogId=

Yes it is the 990 command set that you need, I believe Gromet made a mistake. 993 is the expansion set, basically just an extra remote.

 

Try Charles Ro at the link bigdodgetrain posted above, if your not familiar they are a very reputable dealer. I'd probably call them to order and verify the command set is in stock, however,their website is usually up to date.

 

Your old transformer will work, but as mentioned above a more modern transformer like one of the 180w bricks has better protection for your electronics with its modern breaker.

 

The new ZW-L is a huge transformer with a huge price tag, probably way more than you need.

Once I get my layout up and running, I will come up with a fuse link between the transformer and the track for protection. I am an electrician so I think I can come up with a solution. I ordered the Legacy 990 from Charles Ro. Thanks for the info. This forumsite was recommended to me. I am just getting started with a new layout. I have two lionel sets my parents bought in the 1960's. I have super O track and will build my layout with all super O track. There is a lot of super O on ebay. I have a small layout now. I am building a new one.

there are 2 #990 14295 legacy systems on ebay

Gsgood,

It appears as though you are using "SOLID" Wire from your Xformer. If you are, switch to "Multi Stranded Copper Wire" to feed your Track. I would recommend a minimum size of 16 Gauge! Also if you intend on running any of your Old Conventional Engines with LEGACY, you will need an interface between your ZW and the Track, such as a LIONEL POWERMASTER, a TPC 300 or TPC 400.

 

Fredstrains