I am just starting out on my train adventure. In preparation for starting my railroad, I have finished reading 'Command Control for Toy Trains' as revised by Carl Swanson. Since my plan is to operate only Legacy locomotives, I found the discussion on page 46, which suggests that the railroad, if Legacy only, can be set up with a Command Base, CAB-2, and the necessary number of Powerhouse power transformers. According to the book, all I would need to do is plug in the Powerhouse transformers to a power strip and connect with the center rail of the track. I made a decision some time ago to purchase Atlas Century 21 3-rail track and have made several purchases over the past few years. However, I am unable to figure out how to plug in the Powerhouse and how to connect it to the center rail of Atlas track. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find a 135 or 180 watt powerhouse at my local hobby stores and will need to order on line. However, photos of the Powerhouse seem to show it has a specialized powerhouse plug that is designed for the Lionel lockon and do not show a regular 3-prong cord that can be plugged into a power strip. I hate to purchase one only to find out I can't use it. So, does the Powerhouse have a regular 3-prong plug that can be connected to a power strip? Then, how is the Powerhouse connected to Atlas 3-rail track. Does the Lionel lock-on work with Atlas track? If not would I need to somehow remove the powerhouse plug and replace with standard wire to connect to Atlas terminal joiners? Or, is the Lionel powerhouse simply not compatible with Atlas 21st Century 3-rail track? Thank you.
The Powerhouse has a standard two prong polarized plug. The output connection is a three prong Molex connector (only two wired), and you can buy the cable that connects to the track or make one. Note that I recommend you use something like the Lionel 6-34120 TMCC Direct Lock-on between the Powerhouse and the track for maximum protection for your trains. If you decide not to use that device, I suggest a 10A fast blowing fuse between the Powermaster and the track.
Thank you for the suggestions for connecting the Lionel powerhouse brick to Atlas 21st Century track. I was looking on line for the cable that you mentioned but did not locate it yet. Does this cable connect to the powerhouse and then end up with the wires (minus the connector) that can be attached to the track? I have not tried to purchase a Lockon as I have been told that it is not compatible with the Atlas solid rail track, but will see if I can find or borrow one that I can use on a trial basis. Or, I may enlist the assistance of an electrician that I know to figure out how to safely remove the proprietary connector and replace it with a home-made cable. I appreciate the suggestion to add a fast blowing fuse to the cable.
You can remove the connector from the Powerhouse, it's just a transformer with an in-line circuit breaker. The output connector is the 18 VAC output from the transformer.
I make my own cables, they're standard Molex connectors. I like to leave the Powerhouse stock, as they also connect to my TPC's and the Lionel ZWC controller.
Thank you for your suggestions. I appreciate your taking the time to respond to my questions. I will let you know how things turn out.
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