TMCC newbie question

    The Z-4000 should continue to work as a power source just fine. Just measure its output voltage to make real sure your not feeding it too much.

  Some of the sound features might be accessible with whistle/bell combos right away. If you read the manual closely it's usually mentioned.

 You could likely look at the manual ahead of time on the Lionel sight if you warned to too.

If you are running non MTH engines, the cw80 should be fine. 

You might want to also consider picking up a used Legacy system instead of the TMCC.

The Legacy system is backwards compatible with TMCC (just make sure to load your engine as a TMCC), but will also allow you to run Legacy engines in the future with full features as your layout grows, along with the option for Bluetooth/Wifi. 

Both the CW-80 and Z-4000 should work fine with Legacy, also. 

If not the legacy set and funds are a issue look for a Cab1L set. one not as old as Cab1 and two it has some Legacy features at a lower cost. Most the time I see Cab1 for sale your not that much more for a Cab1L which is a upgrade. 

Keep in mind that track power is totally independent of the TMCC signal. If what you are using now for power is working, there is no need to change anything. Simply connect the U post on the command base to the outside rails, and you are good to go.

Opinion: Don't bother with Legacy. The cost / benefit is not in its favor. At more than twice the price, the added features just aren't worth it. Furthermore, picking up a used Legacy system may not be wise. There were a lot of bad units on the market. I bought a new one five years ago, and could never get it to work. The good news about buying a new one is, if there is a problem, Lionel should fix it for free, but there is the hassle of sending it in and waiting.

There are lots of TMCC sets available on eBay, and you can shop for price. Just make sure it comes with its original 3 prong wall wart. Since you are only buying a TMCC engine, there's even less benefit to Legacy at this time. You can always add it later.

TMCC base

another

and another

I agree with Big_Boy_4005 - Legacy is not worth the extra $.  In my opinion, TMCC is actually in the sweet-spot, technologically and financially, of command control systems.  For what most of us do with our trains, it functions very well and provides more than enough features.

You should be able to find an inexpensive Command Base and CAB-1 remote.

Best of luck,

George

Thanks for all of the advice guys, I really appreciate it. The seller accepted my offer on the engine so it looks like I'll be moving forward. The engine is the LIONEL 6-18879 B&O GP-9. I think I'll stick to the plan of getting the TMCC system for now, for financial reasons, and to allow me to see if I really want to move into the digital realm. Kind of funny for a guy like me who used to be an IT manager and Internet Engineer. When it comes to trains I've really been stuck in the classic era. I will keep an eye on the Legacy system for the future though. I build my layout for public display, especially for the kids at church so I'm always looking for things that will wow them.

You might consider the Lionel 6-37147 CAB1L/BASE1L System, it's the middle ground.  It's TMCC compatible, and the remote is also compatible with the Legacy system.  You get a new system with a full warranty, no easy to break antenna, etc.  If, in the future, you go to Legacy, you have another remote that you can use.  You can usually find them at major dealers for around $200.

I agree with John. The Cab1L system  is the way to go for anyone new to the game. It is the best of both worlds and will give you less grief in the long run.    

Engineer Bob posted:

Thanks for all of the advice guys, I really appreciate it. The seller accepted my offer on the engine so it looks like I'll be moving forward. The engine is the LIONEL 6-18879 B&O GP-9. I think I'll stick to the plan of getting the TMCC system for now, for financial reasons, and to allow me to see if I really want to move into the digital realm. Kind of funny for a guy like me who used to be an IT manager and Internet Engineer. When it comes to trains I've really been stuck in the classic era. I will keep an eye on the Legacy system for the future though. I build my layout for public display, especially for the kids at church so I'm always looking for things that will wow them.

I think you'll actually enjoy this decision. No more cycling through directions, you're always going forward, unless you use the reverse button. You also have access to your electro-couplers. You really don't need to know how it works, in order to use it, and the setup couldn't be more simple.

Elliot, yes, I'm looking forward to not cycling through F-N-R. I left G scale and HO scale  and got into O-scale because of the classic toy train feel but I have to admit, that is one feature that did not thrill me. But I have to say, everything else about this scale does thrill me. I'm definitely a tubular kind of guy, something about the look just appeals to me. And if it was good enough for Gomez Addams it's good enough for me. 

So I won the B&O Gp-9. Lionel 6-18879. Unfortunately no manuals came with it and I can't find them on the Lionel website. I don't have a TMCC system yet, hoping to get one next week. In the meantime can I put the engine on a conventional track to try it out?

Yes, keep the volts at or under 18! (with the Z4000)

https://www.lionelsupport.com/...ents/72-8536-250.pdf

https://www.lionelsupport.com/...ents/71-8879-250.pdf

Thanks! I'm like a kid at Christmas, and can't wait to at least see it move even if I don't have TMCC yet. I'll put it on the layout with my trusty CW-80 for now.