The Lionel Track Power Controller, or TPC, allows you to operate conventional and TMCC equipped locomotives from the CAB-1 remote. It’s powered by one or more external transformers and comes in two versions that can handle up to 300 or 400 watts respectively. The two basic functions of the TPC are:
- Provide fixed voltage for command operation
- Provide variable voltage for conventional operation
I have the 300 watt capable version, the TPC 300. It’s a solid, well engineered piece of equipment. To provide power I’m using two Lionel 135 watt Powerhouse “brick” transformers; using the special “Y” cable from the TMCC TPC Cable Set (6-14194) the two individual Powerhouses are connected to the TPC 300 as one transformer unit. This allows the TPC 300 to put 270 watts to the track. The TPC and each Powerhouse are equipped with individual re-settable circuit breakers, a short circuit will pop some or all of the breakers so I have everything installed on an easy to reach transformer table under the layout
Note: In command mode the default voltage setting is set to maximum, so when using the Powerhouses that’s 18 volts - too high. 14 volts will run the trains and operate the electro couplers, but won’t overheat the light bulbs in passenger cars or lit track bumpers. To set a voltage lower than the default 18 volts I connected a volt meter to the track, addressed the TPC, turned down the throttle on the CAB-1 until I got to 14 volts and pressed the SET button. This setting remains in the TPC 300 after the system is powered down and back up. Check out page 12 of the TPC manual for CAB-1 Functions in the Command Environment.
In conventional mode you have the choice between 80, 200, and an incredible 400 speed steps. Since I have my TPC set to start up in command mode, to run conventional locomotives I address the TPC and press the “M” button on the CAB-1. If I was running in command mode (with the 14 volts on the track) the power is turned off. The CAB-1’s throttle now works just like a transformer handle, the horn/whistle, bell and direction buttons are responsive in conventional mode.
While in conventional mode my command engines stay right where they are – that’s because I have not addressed them, only ENGine 99 (the TPC). While running a locomotive in conventional mode you can also operate command locomotives as you normally would, but the voltage may not be high enough for electro couplers to operate.
I’ve found that using the CAB-1/TPC combo for Protosounds programming is easier than using a conventional transformer. IC Controls (the designer of the TPC series) replaced the clunky transformer antics with positive button sequences, all documented in the TPC user manual. I have one TMCC locomotive made around 1996 that isn’t compatible with the TPC, but my four year old Railking Pioneer runs great with the TPC and CAB-1.
A word about power. Postwar transformers were rated without a load, meaning that under a load a ZW only puts out about 190 watts. The TPC 300/dual Powerhouse setup puts 270 watts to the track. This should provide a frame of reference. While I have no doubt that the larger capacity TPC 400 works well I’d be hesitant to put 400 watts into a piece of track, even with modern circuit breakers. Given a large layout I plan to use two TPC 300’s, blocking the layout into two power sections.
The cost of the TPC is well worth the capability it gives you, even if you run strictly in command mode. You can download the TPC manual from Lionel by going to http://www.lionel.com/CustomerService/Findex4.cfm and searching for manual number 71-4189-250
If you’ve got a mix of motive power (command and non-command) check out the TPC series.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Since this was originally published I have stopped using the Lionel Powerhouses as a power suppy for the TPC 300. The set-up does not have the breaker protection it should - a couple of derailments left some nasty track scars, and a wire in an MTH SW-9 melted. I'm now using the MTH Z-4000 with the TPC 300 and so far there have been no problems.
