Questions on ERR Upgrades

If you want to have cruise control, you would use the ERR Cruise Commander.  IMO, it's pointless not to go the extra few bucks if you're going to do the conversion.  For adding sounds, the ERR RailSounds Commander will do the trick nicely.  Whenever I do a TMCC conversion, I always add the coil coupler(s) and the directional lighting.  Sometimes I really get carried away with the lights, why not?

I've never done a Proto-2 conversion, so I can't comment on the ease or lack of ease of that conversion.

Things to consider converting your steamer.

You'll need a chuff switch for the RailSounds.  That can either be a reed switch and magnet mounted on a tender wheel, or you can mount it in the locomotive if you'd like to try for synchronized chuffing.

If you don't have a tether between the two, you'll have to add one unless you plan on trying to stuff everything including the speaker into the steamer.  Normally, that's a pretty tight fit if it's even possible.

You have to plan for the TMCC antenna.  For steamers, I normally isolate the tender shell and mount all the electronics in there.  Most Lionel steamers use the handrails for the antenna, obviously that's not always possible if they're not insulated now.  On a SP Daylight I'm converting, I'm actually floating the locomotive shell for the antenna, but sometimes that's pretty difficult.

Thank you I spoke to ken over at ERR and he talked me thru what would be needed.

I want to thank you for your response

I do appreciate it