Advice on power supply for new Legacy system

[RickO45]

Hello,

I would like to upgrade to Legacy but am unsure whether I need a new power supply. I started a year ago with a basic Lionel Polar Express and have been happily expanding since. SCRAM says I now have about 160 feet of track or so. I got a used CW80 and have left it set to full output. There is a 14 guage bus wire with 18 guage feeders every few feet. I am currently running LionChief and LionChief 2.0 engines, often two at a time, occasionally three (but that gets a bit crazy!). Performance is ok. Doubt I will ever run an engine requiring a conventional transformer.

I saw a youtube video showing a Legacy hookup to a CW80 and he indicated it worked fine. But I have a feeling I am at the limit of the CW80 and perhaps should go to the 180 watt powerhouse. Or is that overkill? Also I am now concerned about shorts affecting the Legacy electronics. My assistant engineers are 3 1/2 and 5 so derailments do happen. So far I don't think I've fried any thing but the Legacy is a big investment for me so I'd like to do it right.

Thanks for reading. Thanks for any advice!!

[lionelsoni]

The single best thing you can do to protect modern toy-train electronics is to install transient voltage suppressors (TVSs).  Google "TVS" for the details.

[BigAl 956]

From your description I think you could use a bit more wattage. A properly serviced ZW, with TVS diodes would meet your needs. Legacy can work with any power source. It has a single wire that attaches to the outside rail, (U) connection.

[lionelsoni]

Some Lionel transformers are meant to have the U terminal connected to the outside rails, some to the center rail.

[RickO45]

Thanks for your reply. I ended up putting in the Lionel 180 watt PowerHouse with the Lockon. Things work fine. Looking forward to adding Legacy control.