TMCC upgrade, opinions/options

Lionel did have some C-420 conventional that only requires the R2LC and some minor wiring changes to make run in TMCC.  I'm guessing from your description that is what you have.  If so, then only the R2LC would be required to MU them (sans couplers and sounds of course). 

 

Keep in mind that MU'd TMCC engines never really worked well, but a matched set such as these give you a fighting chance.  Legacy definitely corrected the multiple unit issues.

 

 

Jim Sandman,

 

Thank you for the update. I would be doing the full upgrade, and hope that someone has insight regarding ERR. I will do a search here later, but I think that going with ERR may address the MU issue. (And would consider upgrading both units that way to have them play together).

 

 

Henry J

 

    I could set you up with a complete cruise package with C-420 sounds and couplers. $203.00 plus shipping.

 

Bill

Bill's solution will solve the problem with MU configurations, at least if you consider upgrading the other one as well.  The Cruise Commander has a "nudge" feature to match the speeds of two locomotives to make them better pardners.

 

Boxcar Bill,

I might be interested in your offer. What would have to be changed in the factory TMCC unit? Also, while looking at the units with their shells off, the conventional unit does not have the antenna wire(gray) in the shell and/or connected to the gray wire attached to the metal plate over the boards. (Additionally, the plate in the conventional unit is smaller than the TMCC equipped unit).

 

If I go for this, these would be my operational pardners

 

gunrunnerjohn,

I am guessing that the 'nudge' is an updated or better version of 'stall' when MU'ing with TMCC? Whichever way I go, this would be the first time for MU'ing with TMCC.

 

Thanks for the help.

From the CC documentation, they say it better than I would.   See the bold text, I added the emphasis as that is an important point.

 

The Cruise Commander Product line has a lash-up feature, referred to as “nudge mode”. This mode allows a person to match the locomotives in a lash-up. Once the speeds are matched, they dynamically adjust with throttle position. The “nudge” settings are saved for future operating sessions; however they may be easily reset.

 

The Cruise Commander has a bit of “play” to allow locos to operate in a lash-up. At times the “play” is not optimal, so it is possible to match locos a bit closer with the “nudge” mode feature. Remember to lash-up only very similar locos and that it is a requirement that the gear ratios match.

 

 

The price for a steamer should be similar, though you only need one electrocoupler as a rule.

 

If you have a TMCC equipped steamer with Odyssey and you want to just replace that with the Cruise Commander M, that should be less than $100.

 

Boxcar Bill,

 

I edited the one reply to show the photo's I originally try to post last night. (My mistake somewhere in the process).

On the TMCC equipped locomotive, will the factory RS4.0 C-420 work with the Cruise Commander? Is the RS4 C-420 sound set better than the Lionel or the same?

 

After a little reading earlier this evening, I like the that the Cruise Commander has the 100 speed step as the default setting. Slower and smoother, very nice!

 

Once I hear back regarding the ERR vs. Lionel sound set for the TMCC Equipped locomotive, I will contact you about an order.

 

Thanks, Bill and John for your help and knowledge.

Henry J

 

  The sound sets are the same.

 

 

Bill

Henry J I can attest to how smooth the start/cruise is on my K-line RS-3 SP that was factory TMCC but no cruise control. I installed electrocouplers and the ERR cruise and it behaves way better than before. Try it and you'll want to install more of them.

Super Dave,

 

Thank you for the input. After I do this upgrade to C-420's and evaluate the performance, my WM Lionmaster Challenger will probably also receive the upgrade.

 

Thanks again!