lionel power bricks using more than one on same layout

[nomthever]

does anyone out there have any experience with using two 180 watt power bricks on the same layout but at different areas on the same layout. i have a really long layout and even though i have ran feeder lines to my track, i still have power drop when running more than two locomotives at the same time. can i use two different bricks one at each end of the layout by just connecting them through lionel tmcc direct lockons. i am running with legacy system using one brick and one direct lockon now. any help will be appreciated . thanks 

[rtraincollector]

Thats a good question. I would think if you connected one at each end and hooked your legacey system in the middle of the layout you would basically be doing what you want but the system would read it as you connected the two at same place as long as your sure you get the correct side to the same rail as the other one. I feel your best bet for an answer on this thou would be like Don or some of the others who have large layouts.

I'm not sure on this but it sounds like it would work and solve your problem. I have 2 135's but when I connect them there connected together thru a Lionel accessory spliced wired. (TMCC TPC Cable set.) that when I do my layout will run my conventional trains and then plan to have 2 outside loops that are presently going to be TMCC but hope to move to legacy but will run off my post war ZW. Time will tell as all this still may change lol

[ADCX Rob]

It definitely  works.  The TMCC/Legacy base doesn't care what power or voltage you have on the track, or where you have it connected,  as it operates in passive mode.

BUT, two 180 PH's on the one district is 20 amps.  You will be susceptible to arc welding some wheels/axles to the rails during derailments.  Using TVS's to protect your electronics would be a very wise move.

Rob

[Buckeye Riveter]

I have been using two 180 power bricks for over four years.   I also use a TPC 300. Works perfect all the time and I have more than enough power to run 5 or 6 locomotives on the layou at one time.  As Rob said, TMCC/Legacy doesn't care.  The circuit breakers in the power bricks are really quick.

[Roger Bielen]

Ditto Buckeye's response, though I use a TPC 400.  If/when I have a derailment the breakers on the bricks trip, 15 amp, and not the TPC, 20 amp.  I think it would be best to tie the bricks together making sure of the phasing, there were some wired in reverse, and go through a common, fused, attachment device.

[nomthever]

thanks to all who answerd my question about this. i appreciate the input , i think i will go with a tpc 400 and hook both power bricks to it and see if that solves my problem. thanks again.

[traindood]

hello: just reading the posts on bricks. i have 2 modern zw's powered by 4 bricks each. works  like a dream. also have tpc 400 not connected yet but the 400 is definitely the way to go. like they say bigger is oh so good!  i never heard anyone say; could i have a small glass of beer please? later. 

[laz 57]

Same here I run DCS and Legacy with modern ZW and 4 power blocks have had NO PROBLEMS running trains.  Had to use the light bulb trick for the DCS, other then that all is good in trainland.

laz57