Parts Availability/Interchangeability & Service/Repair Literature for TMCC/Trainmaster Locomotives & Equipment

I don't know about "interchangeability," but TMCC functions can still be accessed through on-board equipment offered by a brand known as ERR, which is now owned by 3rd Rail out of California.  They occasionally go "out-of-stock" on some items, but have been pretty good at replenishment.  Unfortunately, there are no suitable substitutes for the TMCC hand-held controller or the related base and power supply.

Chuck

@FortyFivePalms posted:

Hello folks,

This thread is a continuation of the one I started in the Lionel General Topics sub-forum. That thread was deleted because I posted an external link (my apologies to the admins).

Regarding parts & service for the TMCC/Trainmaster locomotives, it appears that replacement parts are scare for all except the most recent Lionel products. Is there any interchangeability of parts (i.e. radio/sound boards or motherboards) between different units? If so, is this information available? And are there any service & repair manuals or resources available specific to the TMCC equipment?

Thanks again!

For your rail sound boards the radio control board is replaceable from electric railroad. The problem is a lot of the programming is unique to that locomotive, and if it gets damaged, it’s gone forever. The subway trains are a good example, with the programming for doors, stations stops and alike. There’s nothing to replace if it goes. Bad. What you can do is install a TVS in every locomotive, and every car that has a soundboard or some type of control board in it. this will give you the protection against the dead short or a derailment on your layout. I’ve spoken on this many times on this forum, and for most people, the answer is don’t buy O gauge Trains. Ours is probably the only Hobby where things get obsoleted quite quickly.

There is a need for a how-to guide on repairing and upgrading TMCC electronics, but none has been written or made available to the consumer.  The situation is complicated by the many variations of TMCC:  Modular and non-Modular boards, Standard and Cruise boards, 3rd party licensee versions from Digital Dynamics, TrainAmerica Studios, Electric RR Co, and K-line, 8 versions of Railsounds boards, and multiple motherboard configurations.  I actually compiled information from the forum on TMCC electronics into an organized Guide to TMCC, but the forum moderators declined to allow me to publish it on the forum since the photos of the TMCC electronics were not my original work (I understand their concerns, since they had to pay out damages for a photo copyright violation a couple years ago).

Useful information on troubleshooting and upgrading TMCC electronics is scattered through this forum.  Much of what I have learned on the subject came from here.  The other really useful source is the "Chronicles of Norm" series on YouTube (search for Norm's Trains).  Norm knows TMCC electronics like the back of his hand, and shares his "best practices" as he upgrades electronics in his locomotives.

Back to your original question, yes, there is considerable interchangeability of TMCC electronics.  But unfortunately, Lionel suddenly and without explanation pulled all the TMCC and some early Legacy electronics from their parts site.  At this point, it is likely that we will find Jimmy Hoffa before we find this treasure trove of parts.  Currently, Electric Railroad Co is the most reliable supplier of boards to upgrade and repair TMCC locomotives.  Some boards show up on eBay or at train shows as well.  

Don't hesitate to post a repair or upgrade question to the forum.  The electronics gurus here are very willing to help. Many times they will give you step by step instructions and parts numbers and photos of everything you need.  To get the best response, make sure you list the locomotive product number and post photos with your question.

Bob

"the answer is don’t buy O gauge Trains. "

This seems extreme to me.  All consumer products eventually become non-repairable due to lack of parts or simply obsolescence.  Trains are actually less likely to become completely non-repairable. One can always use an electronic E-unit or Blunami, or other method to resurrect defunct electronics. Motors are replaceable.

The vast majority of locomotives being made today are LionChief.  The parts for these remain available close to a decade after introduction.  Lots of innovation in battery power, DCC and similar systems is occurring.  These can be adapted to three rail trains if need be, today and in the future.  The lack of availability of specific types of obsolescent parts for early Legacy or TMCC will not in any way stop knowledgeable hobbyists from repairing trains. What is lacking is a cadre of repair personnel and do-it-yourself instructions, as noted above, and this is probably a reflection of the small size of the market.  But the obstacle isn't the lack of repair options.

Thanks to all for the responses so far!

I'm encouraged by what I hear. I've been kitbashing in one form or another for pretty much all my life. It has been one of my greatest source of joy in my other pastime (wrenching on 50s & 60s classic & muscle cars). Nothing more satisfying than finding, engineering and implementing a home-grown solution. I've already done that on a couple of my new Lionel acquisitions. And although I always try to do as much research as possible before reaching out, and it's good to hear that the folks here are receptive to any questions I may have.

I'm waiting on arrival of a couple of late Xmas presents to myself, a 11863 GP-9 and 12969 Trainmaster Command Set, as an introduction to TMCC. In the meantime I have read everything I have found online about it and am trying to familiarize myself with its architecture and evolution. I pretty much dropped out of the model railroading world sometime in the 1990s, so although its ancient history to you folks it all new to me. Looking forward to the journey!