What else do I need for TMCC setup?

I have 180w powerhouse plugged into a powermaster (6-12867) that is wired to a command base (6-12911) which is connected to the track.  That is all you need if you are running TMCC locomotives from what I can tell, because it is working for me.  I hope this helps!

The book pre-dates Legacy & Cab1-L.

With the equipment that you already have, you could just connect the PowerHouse transformers to the track, (It's best to use an adaptor cable so as not to require cutting off the plug.) and you'll be ready to run in Legacy/TMCC mode.

However, I would strongly recommend that you consider using either a TPC, or preferably a Legacy PowerMaster between the PowerHouse and the track. This will not only give you the ability to run either loop in conventional mode if you ever wish to do so, but will give your trains extra protection from overloads or short-circuits. They have many extra benefits too. Here is a link to the Legacy PowerMaster manual 

Welcome to the wonderful world of command control. 

 Link to the TPC 400 operation manual 

All I have is a transformer, a base, and a CAB1.

My TMCC trains work great.

I fully agree with Nicole, the protection the Powermaster gives to the electronics in your engines is priceless plus as Nicole states with the Powermaster you can run conventional trains from the remote "pretty cool"

Ray

If I were swinging this way, I'd have to consider the MTH DCS system.  Rather than buy two PowerMasters, put another $50-75 with the money and buy the DCS system with the TIU.  This gives you the ability to run conventional through the DCS remote, and you now have TMCC and DCS capability.  By connecting the serial cable from the command base to the TIU, you can run the TMCC locomotives from either your CAB1 or the DCS remote.

Now when you see a cool PS/2 or PS/3 locomotive that you like, you'll be able to run it.

So, do I need a Legacy Powermaster for each loop?

As you have 2 PowerHouse transformers and intend to use 1 for each loop, then yes, you would need 2 Legacy PowerMaster units.   

Power Masters and TPC units are add- ons that allow you to raise and lower the track voltage from your 180w bricks.

This is primarily for running "conventional control" trains that speed up and slow down based on transformer voltage.

Lionels bricks are preset to 18v, a Powermaster/ TPC unit allows for voltage control from the throttle knob of the handheld.

The bottom line:

If your running command only, then no, you do not need a Powermaster or TPC unit.

If you do want to run conventional trains, you will need a Powermaster for each brick, if they are isolated from each other, I assume that they are. * Make sure you have a wire from the command base going to each seperate loop as well.

A TPC unit is basically a "powermaster on steroids". It would allow two bricks to be wired together and power the layout as a pair, i.e. 360w available to the whole layout.

This is not a popular practice as this is a "ton" of power going to the layout.

Thanks, Nicole. And thanks to everyone with their input.

I forgot one thing. What connections do I need for the Powermaster Legacy. And does Lionel have them?

The PowerHouse transformer will plug directly into the Legacy PowerMaster. Then all you need are 2 wires to the track. The wires to the track depend upon what kind of track you are using, but they are the same as you would use to connect a regular transformer to the track.

The Legacy PowerMaster communicates with your base unit via the track wiring, so no extra wires are involved.