One transformer per block set up

[Dobson]

I have a 8x12 layout that I want to divide into 13 blocks. If they are all in phase is there any issue with doing one block per transformer set up? All 1033s is what I would use. Any protection I should put in place. I only run postwar. I think this would be more fun than putting a whole boatload of dpdt or spdt switches. Yes I would have 13 transformers.

[M. Mitchell Marmel]

"And in the news today, the region was plunged into darkness as the entire power grid failed.  The source of the problem was an avid model railroader who plugged in thirteen transformers at once..."  ;-)

Seriously, though, as long as you have them all in phase and your household wiring is up to the load, I see no reason why you can't run it that way!  :-)

One precaution I'd take would be to completely insulate each block, not just the center rails.  Also, it'd probably be best to run your locomotives with the E units locked in one direction...

Have fun!

Mitch

[alank]

I would avoid having 13 transformers in phase to run an 8x12 layout.   There is no need for it, and it isn't just being in phase that matters, voltage setting between blocks can be an issue to.

I am not sure why you would want to do this, but if you are worried about track resistance or something, you can isolate the blocks with insulated pins, and fan your wire out that only the track in the block is active when a locomotive or other power needing device is in that block.  Use the dpdt and spdt switches in conjunction with fewer transformers to control your railroad.

[ADCX Rob]

M. Mitchell Marmel

"And in the news today, the region was plunged into darkness as the entire power grid failed.  The source of the problem was an avid model railroader who plugged in thirteen transformers at once..."  ;-)

Seriously, though, as long as you have them all in phase and your household wiring is up to the load, I see no reason why you can't run it that way!  :-)

Even if all 13 transformers were fully loaded, there would still be a lot of headroom on a standard 15 amp household circuit.

[M. Mitchell Marmel]

ADCX Rob

Even if all 13 transformers were fully loaded, there would still be a lot of headroom on a standard 15 amp household circuit.

And as a benefit, the whole house can be heated! 

Mitch

[lionelsoni]

I see no reason to interrupt the outside rails at the block boundaries.

Since each transformer has its own circuit breaker and you are not running locomotives with any solid-state electronics, this kind of operation is not unsafe.  The circuit breakers will trip and the voltage spikes will have nothing to harm whenever you go between  blocks set to significantly different voltages (which I expect will be often).

I expect that most of the fun will be had by spectators watching you try to find the right transformer handle as the train goes from block to block!

[Buckeye Riveter]

lionelsoni

I expect that most of the fun will be had by spectators watching you try to find the right transformer handle as the train goes from block to block!

 

Good one Bob!!! I have trouble running three trains let along thirteen transformers.