Power Supply for Lionel FasTrack Power Block Lock-on

[BruceOmega]

Any specific suggestions for purchasing a power supply for Lionel FasTrack Power Block Lock-on?

Lionel says you can use the option of fixed power (from a barrel jack connector) via a separate sale 4A 18UDC power supply.  Need to make sure anything I buy has the correct barrel jack connector.  I tried to plug in an old 18.5v 6a laptop power supply but the jack was too big.  I tried another power supply but the jack was too small. 

I purchased two new Illuminated Lionel Stations, 684318, and hooked them up to the Power Block track using track power.  But I am running post war trains (Conventional?) and the lights in the station are very dim.  I assume they were designed for 18v dc and work best with that.

Also, does anyone know why Lionel recommends 4a?  If I am just hooking up accessories with LED lighting can I make do with less than 4a as long as its 18v dc? 

Appreciate any help / suggestions.

Thanks

[BigAl 956]

Lionel uses a lot of metric or semi proprietarry connectors for Fastrack. However, every FasTrack section has a 1/8 spade lug built into it for connecting power lines. You should be able to order a bag of those female connectors online and just crimp them onto your wire and not bother with a special lockon section.

As for power, 4a is nominal capacity for modern engines. You probably need 6-7 amps to run Postwar locomotives. If you are looking to just power illuminated lamps your best bet is to set up a seperate power bus run of it's own transformer and just tap into it with tapsplices. Your right in that track power is ocillating up and down all the time and that would mess with the accessory lighting.

[lionelsoni]

The connectors under the track are fast-ons, not spade lugs.

[ADCX Rob]

BigAl 956

... every FasTrack section has a 1/8 spade lug built into it for connecting power lines...

Bob is, of course, correct, they are .110" 110 Series FASTON(a trademark) connectors.