Is Lionel still manufacturing this controller? It is not in their 2014-2015 Track and Power catalog. Thanks.
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They've replaced it with the Lagacy Powermaster, which they say has the same functionality and power handling capability.
It's probably cheaper to produce as well.
Actually, the Legacy PowerMaster is a 180 watt unit, and the TPC-400 is a 400 watt unit. I don't know about it's production status, but it's not the same for power handling capacity.
The TPC does a lot more also.
What "a lot more" does it do? I think a lot of the functionality was transplanted to the Legacy PowerMaster, and the Legacy PowerMaster may have some new tricks up it's sleeve. 
Originally Posted by gunrunnerjohn:
What "a lot more" does it do? I think a lot of the functionality was transplanted to the Legacy PowerMaster, and the Legacy PowerMaster may have some new tricks up it's sleeve.
On the MTH side, the TPC 400, in conventional mode, is able to take programming from a PS 2 engine that corresponds to most of the keys on the Cab1 remote. I figure that was " a lot more", but what do I know. Does a power master do that??? Pages 18 and 19 in the manual.
A LEGACY PowerMaster in conventional mode allows the user to access certain features on ProtoSound 1, 2 and 3 engines like activating the front and rear couplers and initiating cab chatter.
I had a ProtoSound 3 locomotive that went through 4 dialog scenarios upon start up when I pressed AUX1 + 2 on my CAB-1L remote. I'm not sure but I think that was the extended start up sequence for a ProtoSound engine.
Hmm. Am I understanding this correctly?
http://www.lionel.com/products...roductNumber=6-37146 &expandBranch=40&Keywords=&CategoryID=40&RailLineID=&CatalogId=
"Lionel’s LEGACY PowerMaster provides superior AC track-voltage control for your command-equipped layout
Use it with any Lionel remote to remotely adjust track power from a Lionel PowerHouse or other external AC transformer (sold separately)."
This listing indicates that a Legacy Powermaster plus a remote is all I need for control of conventional engines. Does this mean I do NOT need a command base at all if I have a Legacy PM? The Legacy PM is, itself, a receiver of signals directly from the remote? That would be great, if so.
Mike, see pages 18-20 in the Legacy PowerMaster Owner's Manual for details on how to program PS/1 locomotives and to access the features of PS/2 locomotives. It has the capabilities that the TPC-300/400 has. I don't think the TPC brings anything to the party with the exception of higher power handling.
Alan, you need a command base with the Legacy PowerMaster, it receives the track signal just like a locomotive does from the command base. It does not communicate directly with any remote.
I see - that makes sense. Thanks, John, as always. 
