O scale setup HELP

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GazooRC

GazooRC

Active Member
I’m setting up my first O scale and need to know the best route for a controller. I just ordered my favorite locomotive (6-28029) and I need to get a controller. I don’t need anything fancy out of the gate just your basic controller and be able to control stream and sound.
I used to have Z-HO growing up but never a steam engine.
Any help is much appreciated.
Thanks all.
 
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GazooRC said:
I just ordered my favorite locomotive (6-28029)
Click to expand...
Congratulations! That is what I call jumping into the deep end of the pool!

To activate all the functions, you will need either a Lionel TMCC controller (Lionel no longer makes the TMCC controller but you can still buy them.) or the Lionel Legacy System. The Legacy System is backwards capable of running TMCC trains.

A basic Lionel CW-80 will run the locomotive and activate a few of the functions.

Keep in mind your beautiful beast requires a minimum O72 track.

I'll try to provide more information later when I have more time.

Welcome back to the wonderful world of trains and to the forums. We are glad to have you with us!
 
Bruette said:
Congratulations! That is what I call jumping into the deep end of the pool!

To activate all the functions, you will need either a Lionel TMCC controller (Lionel no longer makes the TMCC controller but you can still buy them.) or the Lionel Legacy System. The Legacy System is backwards capable of running TMCC trains.

A basic Lionel CW-80 will run the locomotive and activate a few of the functions.

Keep in mind your beautiful beast requires a minimum O72 track.

I'll try to provide more information later when I have more time.

Welcome back to the wonderful world of trains and to the forums. We are glad to have you with us!
Click to expand...
Haha yea that’s me! You should see my 2 stroke RC’s. 😅
Wow that’s great info thank you so much, I’ll start doing research. Now the 072 track I know this big boy can’t turn on a dime there is a min curve for this unit too I need to keep in mind. Track terminology I’m still working on. It’s been a while.

Thanks I’m excited to be here
 


The Lionel Legacy system is an advanced digital command control system designed for O scale model trains. It allows for precise and complex control of locomotives, track switches, lighting, and accessories.

Here are some key features:
The Legacy System does not include a transformer to power your train. You can use one of many of Lionel's transformers. Or most other brands of AC transformers designed for O gauge/scale trains. I would recommend a transformer with no less than 75 Watts of power. The more power the better.

I have the Lionel ZW-L Transformer (620 watts) for my TMCC/Legacy locomotives.
1726887530557.png

I run my Lionel 6-38848 O-Scale Christmas Pioneer Zephyr with a Lionel CW-80 transformer (80 watts) under the Christmas tree.
1726887865001.png

Some basic information.

O-Gauge:​

Lionel O-Gauge track systems- which include O, O-27, and FasTrack® - all measure 1-¼” between the outer rails. Any O-Gauge car or locomotive can ride on Lionel O-Gauge track, as long as the curve track used on your layout can accommodate your particular cars. Lionel O-Gauge sets are electric sets that are approximately 1:48 scale and are what most people envision when the think about Lionel. O-Gauge is divided into two categories: Traditional O-Gauge and O Scale.
Traditional O-Gauge
  • Based on classic Lionel designs
  • Approximate scale proportions
  • Easy to control lights, sounds, and smoke
  • Very accessible products to customers
  • Lionel’s popular Ready-to-Run sets are Traditional O-Gauge, and contain everything a customer needs to run their train in minutes – train set, oval of track, and, transformer.
  • Lionel launched a new remote system for engines in 2012 under the LionChief™ umbrella. These are new sets with enhanced sound, long distance controls, AC/DC Compatible and are easy to set-up and operate
  • To allow customers to continue to add product, Lionel sells specialty track products, rolling stock, and a wide range of operating and non-operating accessories
O Scale (your Big Boy 6-28029 is an O scale locomotive)
  • Higher-end products
  • Contain more details with many separately applied parts
  • Engines have sophisticated electronics such as the Lionel LEGACY™ Control System and Lionel RailSounds®
  • Larger than Traditional O-gauge products since they are more true to 1:48 scale proportions
  • Geared towards collectors and sophisticated hobbyists

GazooRC said:
Now the 072 track I know this big boy can’t turn on a dime there is a min curve for this unit too I need to keep in mind.
Click to expand...
Lionel also makes O84 and O96 FasTrack, both will accommodate you Big Boy.

Other manufactures also make O-Gauge track that will work, mind the minimum curve.

AnyRail offers a free download that will help you select your track and design your layout.

More to come as time permits.
 
Bruette said:
The Lionel Legacy system is an advanced digital command control system designed for O scale model trains. It allows for precise and complex control of locomotives, track switches, lighting, and accessories.

Here are some key features:
The Legacy System does not include a transformer to power your train. You can use one of many of Lionel's transformers. Or most other brands of AC transformers designed for O gauge/scale trains. I would recommend a transformer with no less than 75 Watts of power. The more power the better.

I have the Lionel ZW-L Transformer (620 watts) for my TMCC/Legacy locomotives.
View attachment 199559
I run my Lionel 6-38848 O-Scale Christmas Pioneer Zephyr with a Lionel CW-80 transformer (80 watts) under the Christmas tree.
View attachment 199560
Some basic information.

O-Gauge:​

Lionel O-Gauge track systems- which include O, O-27, and FasTrack® - all measure 1-¼” between the outer rails. Any O-Gauge car or locomotive can ride on Lionel O-Gauge track, as long as the curve track used on your layout can accommodate your particular cars. Lionel O-Gauge sets are electric sets that are approximately 1:48 scale and are what most people envision when the think about Lionel. O-Gauge is divided into two categories: Traditional O-Gauge and O Scale.
Traditional O-Gauge
  • Based on classic Lionel designs
  • Approximate scale proportions
  • Easy to control lights, sounds, and smoke
  • Very accessible products to customers
  • Lionel’s popular Ready-to-Run sets are Traditional O-Gauge, and contain everything a customer needs to run their train in minutes – train set, oval of track, and, transformer.
  • Lionel launched a new remote system for engines in 2012 under the LionChief™ umbrella. These are new sets with enhanced sound, long distance controls, AC/DC Compatible and are easy to set-up and operate
  • To allow customers to continue to add product, Lionel sells specialty track products, rolling stock, and a wide range of operating and non-operating accessories
O Scale (your Big Boy 6-28029 is an O scale locomotive)
  • Higher-end products
  • Contain more details with many separately applied parts
  • Engines have sophisticated electronics such as the Lionel LEGACY™ Control System and Lionel RailSounds®
  • Larger than Traditional O-gauge products since they are more true to 1:48 scale proportions
  • Geared towards collectors and sophisticated hobbyists


Lionel also makes O84 and O96 FasTrack, both will accommodate you Big Boy.

Other manufactures also make O-Gauge track that will work, mind the minimum curve.

AnyRail offers a free download that will help you select your track and design your layout.

More to come as time permits.
Click to expand...
Wow lots of great reading material here. Thank you so much. I just got tracking and it’s going to be here Sunday! Feel like a little boy again. This weekend I plan on doing more research and ordering a controller so I can fire it up.
 
Ok so the cheapest way in to be able to power the locomotive and use smoke and sound would be to go with:
MTH 40-1000 and a 6-12969
Or
6-22983 and 6-12868

does everyone agree? Right out of the gate I don’t have a layout. I’m going to try and make one go around a small spare bedroom so nothing crazy.
 
Last edited:
GazooRC said:
6-22983
Click to expand...
This is a power supply only, no variable control.

The 180-Watt PowerHouse™ Power Supply by Lionel is a robust power source designed for model train enthusiasts. It delivers 180 watts (10 amps) of alternating current, making it ideal for powering multiple tracks and ensuring smooth operation of your TMCC and Legacy controlled locomotives12.

Key features include:
This power supply is perfect for those looking to enhance their model train setup with reliable and efficient power

GazooRC said:
MTH 40-1000 and a 6-12969
Click to expand...
You don't need both. Either one will work but will only give you conventional control. They will enable you to have variable speed, forward and reverse, whistle, bell, smoke, and some sounds.

To access the full capabilities of your Big Boy (TMCC locomotive) you will need to add a command station (TMCC or Legacy) in addition to your power supply.

GazooRC said:
the cheapest way in to be able to power the locomotive and use smoke and sound would be to go with:
Click to expand...
The least expensive way would be the Lionel 6-14198 CW-80 transformer (80 watts) or an equivalent transformer. It will enable you to have variable speed, forward and reverse, whistle, bell, smoke, and some sounds. It's a good place to start with only one train and a basic layout. If you upgrade your layout, it can be used for accessories and lighting. 80 Watts will be more than enough to power your Big Boy. I use one to power my Lionel 6-38848 Legacy O-Scale Christmas Pioneer Zephyr.
1726930531805.png
 
Bruette said:
This is a power supply only, no variable control.

The 180-Watt PowerHouse™ Power Supply by Lionel is a robust power source designed for model train enthusiasts. It delivers 180 watts (10 amps) of alternating current, making it ideal for powering multiple tracks and ensuring smooth operation of your TMCC and Legacy controlled locomotives12.

Key features include:
This power supply is perfect for those looking to enhance their model train setup with reliable and efficient power


You don't need both. Either one will work but will only give you conventional control. They will enable you to have variable speed, forward and reverse, whistle, bell, smoke, and some sounds.

To access the full capabilities of your Big Boy (TMCC locomotive) you will need to add a command station (TMCC or Legacy) in addition to your power supply.


The least expensive way would be the Lionel 6-14198 CW-80 transformer (80 watts) or an equivalent transformer. It will enable you to have variable speed, forward and reverse, whistle, bell, smoke, and some sounds. It's a good place to start with only one train and a basic layout. If you upgrade your layout, it can be used for accessories and lighting. 80 Watts will be more than enough to power your Big Boy. I use one to power my Lionel 6-38848 Legacy O-Scale Christmas Pioneer Zephyr.
View attachment 199607
Click to expand...
Ok so if I get 6-14198 I can power up the locomotive test the sounds and smoke and have forward and reverse? Just that? I know I need a track piece for it to plug into but is there any other connectors or anything I would need? That’s all I want to do right now is make sure my investment works.
 
GazooRC said:
Ok so if I get 6-14198 I can power up the locomotive test the sounds and smoke and have forward and reverse?
Click to expand...
Yes

GazooRC said:
I know I need a track piece for it to plug into but is there any other connectors or anything I would need?
Click to expand...
You only need to connect enough track to fit under the locomotive. (four or five sections of track, I'm guessing. it is a "big boy"!)

If you buy curves decide what you want O72, O84 or O96 Any Rail's free trial will help you decide what fits best in your room.

Below is the minimum for a simple oval/circle.
6-1204116 piecesFull Circle O-72 Curves
6-1206132 piecesFull Circle O-84 Curve
6-8125032 piecesFull Circle O-96 Curves
6-120141 piece10" Straight (if you use the terminal section)
6-120161 pieceTerminal Section (connects to power supply.)
or
6-120531 pieceFastrack Power Wire (connect to the bottom of any piece FasTrack. Eliminates the need for a terminal section and the 10" straight)
 
Bruette said:
Yes


You only need to connect enough track to fit under the locomotive. (four or five sections of track, I'm guessing. it is a "big boy"!)

If you buy curves decide what you want O72, O84 or O96 Any Rail's free trial will help you decide what fits best in your room.

Below is the minimum for a simple oval/circle.
6-1204116 piecesFull Circle O-72 Curves
6-1206132 piecesFull Circle O-84 Curve
6-8125032 piecesFull Circle O-96 Curves
6-120141 piece10" Straight (if you use the terminal section)
6-120161 pieceTerminal Section (connects to power supply.)
or
6-120531 pieceFastrack Power Wire (connect to the bottom of any piece FasTrack. Eliminates the need for a terminal section and the 10" straight)
Click to expand...
Oh this is perfect. Thank you.
I ordered a 6-12042 when I ordered the train so I could put the train on some rails till I made a track. Could I hook power to this piece and buy a 6-12053 to hook to the 6-14198?
 


Bruette said:
The approximate overall length of your Big Boy is 32" it will be a very close fit on the 30" track.


yes
Click to expand...
Overall but actual length contacting the track I figured it would be pretty close to 30”. I will find out tomorrow haha OK I’m going to order them. Maybe I’ll order a 6-12016 first to play it safe.
 
If you got the room, I would go with the biggest curves you can. Your loco may run a little better, but it sure would look a lot better.
Short of that, try easements. For instance, using Lionel's Fastrack, for a half circle at one end of an oval, go into the curve with one piece of O-96, then one piece of O-84, then six pieces of O-72, then one piece of O-84 and finish with one piece of O-96. Repeat at the other end of the oval.

Doing this, your oval will not take up a whole lot more width than using all O-72 curves, and your loco will run, or at least look, a fair amount smoother as it goes into and comes out of the curves.
 
I agree with Bruette, that is not jumping into the deep end of the pool that is jumping into one of the great lakes.

Bruette said:
A basic Lionel CW-80 will run the locomotive and activate a few of the functions.
Click to expand...

With full regards to Bruette's knowledge of Lionel and O-gauge trains, I beg to differ on this point. My CW-80 will not even run my Legacy Polar Express Locomotive properly. It will run the locomotive just fine. It will run the sound system tender just fine. But when I try to run the locomotive and tender together there isn't enough power to move the loco.

I had to get the Lionel GW-180 to make it work right.
http://www.lionel.com/products/gw-180-180-watt-transformer-6-37947

Edit - should have read the whole thread before I posed. I see you already went this route.
 
Mixed Freight said:
If you got the room, I would go with the biggest curves you can. Your loco may run a little better, but it sure would look a lot better.
Short of that, try easements. For instance, using Lionel's Fastrack, for a half circle at one end of an oval, go into the curve with one piece of O-96, then one piece of O-84, then six pieces of O-72, then one piece of O-84 and finish with one piece of O-96. Repeat at the other end of the oval.

Doing this, your oval will not take up a whole lot more width than using all O-72 curves, and your loco will run, or at least look, a fair amount smoother as it goes into and comes out of the curves.
Click to expand...
I was just trying to do the math on this. So if the tightest curve I can use is an o-72 how many do I need to make a 90 degree turn (corner of the room)
I get what you mean by making a smoother turn. That’s a good idea.
 
Iron Horseman said:
I agree with Bruette, that is not jumping into the deep end of the pool that is jumping into one of the great lakes.



With full regards to Bruette's knowledge of Lionel and O-gauge trains, I beg to differ on this point. My CW-80 will not even run my Legacy Polar Express Locomotive properly. It will run the locomotive just fine. It will run the sound system tender just fine. But when I try to run the locomotive and tender together there isn't enough power to move the loco.

I had to get the Lionel GW-180 to make it work right.
http://www.lionel.com/products/gw-180-180-watt-transformer-6-37947

Edit - should have read the whole thread before I posed. I see you already went this route.
Click to expand...
That makes me happy I went with the 180.
 
GazooRC said:
Track terminology I’m still working on. It’s been a while.
Click to expand...
The biggest thing to get used to with O-gauge track is that curves are measured in diameter rather than radius like all the other scales.

GazooRC said:
I was just trying to do the math on this. So if the tightest curve I can use is an o-72 how many do I need to make a 90 degree turn (corner of the room)I get what you mean by making a smoother turn. That’s a good idea.
Click to expand...
I use Atlas track rather than Lionel, BUT the answer for Atlas is and Lionel tubular track is 4 pieces = 90 degrees. I believe that is true for Lionel Fasttracks as well.
 


GazooRC said:
Yea I just found that out. O scale is a league of its own seems like.
Click to expand...
FYI and in the category that doesn't really matter for this conversation, but there is another foible about this size train. The trains might be O-Scale or 1:48, but the track is O-Gauge, commonly called hi rail. That is because it is broad gauge of 5 scale feet between the rails.

True O-Scale track is designated as Proto-48, and is the prototypical proper 4' 8.5" between the rails (and no center rail). One really has to jump into the ocean to go there.
 
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