Switch from old mechanical hand-cranked timer system?

Correct. The only things you need from the old system is the outlet and the sprinkler wires. So, you do not need the transformer, switches, or timer. I think some building codes say to only use a power strip or extension code for temporary things, but I do not believe that should be a problem as long as the power strip is not overloaded. Thank you for all the pictures and description. I must say that it is of my opinion that the old way was pretty clever of a setup.