There are hundreds, if not thousands of types of model locomotives in several different scales in operation today. This would appear to make the selection of the right Trainmaster upgrade components a difficult one. Nothing could be farther from the truth. There are only a few items to consider when determining which upgrade components you need. These are:
Motor type (AC or DC)
Number of motors
Compatibility with sound systems
Available space within the locomotive
After considering these factors, you should be able to determine which TMCC upgrade product is right for your application, and whether additional accessories such as a tether, or an additional control unit or motor driver is required.
Motor Type Identifying the type of motor is very simple. All modern production locomotoves use DC permanent magnet motors, otherwise known as 'can' motors due to their cylindrial shape. This type of motor has only two electrical connections located opposite each other on the top of the motor. Be aware that some motors may have additional ground wires soldered to their metal cases. These are not considered connections in the strict sense, but are generally employed as a method of shielding other electronics from noise generated by the motors.
AC motors are found in Pre-war and Post War Lionel, American Flyer, Marx, and engines produced by other lesser known companies of the same era. They are also found in most Lionel locomotives produced from 1970 until approximately 2000. This type of motor is easy to identify. It is much larger than a typical 'can' motor and it is constructed with an open frame. The motor brushes are externally accessable and the field coil is clearly visible as are the additional electrical connections it requires. Open frame AC motors produce lots of 'ozone', that familiar smell reminiscent of electric trains in operation.
Number of Motors Next, it is important to consider whether the locomotive has a single or dual motors, or more, and what type of duty the engine will be expected to routinely perform. The harder the engine works, the more current the motors will require from the motor driver circuits. The motor driver must be capable of meeting the demands of the motor, or overheating and possible damage to the circuits will result.
Compatibility With Sound Systems Our command upgrades are designed to work with Lionel Railsounds version 2.5 and higher, Lionel SignalSounds, and QSI sound systems, including MTH Protosounds 1. Simple mechanical or electronic horns, sounds systems from Ott Machine Services, Williams 'True Blast', and others are not compatible with TMCC.
Available Space
There is adequate space for TMCC components in most engines, especially in O-Gauge or larger scales. A modern TMCC system is usually smaller than the mechanical or electronic reverse unit it will replace. However, other components can quickly reduce the amount of space available. If the installation of a Railsounds system is contemplated, you must take into account the space required by the Railsounds circuit boards as well as the space needed to properly install a loudspeaker. The requirements of other items such as smoke units, batteries, and other peripheral circuits must also be considered.
It is desirable, but not always possible to install both TMCC and Railsounds systems within a single engine unit. Postwar Lionel F3 locomotives with two AC motors will not have adequate space to install TMCC and Railsounds together within the powered unit. Most single AC motor locomotives, and virtually all modern style diesel locomotives such as GM SD and GE Dash series locomotives have plenty of space to accommodate both command and sound circuits. Distribution of control and sound components between two engine units will require a tether to connect the systems together.
There is more than enough room in any G-Gauge locomotive for TMCC and Railsounds components.
Digital Dynamics has all the products you need to convert virtually any 2-Rail or 3-Rail locomotive to Lionel Trainmaster Control. Our philosophy is to provide products that are simple, versatile, rugged, and affordable.
