Lockons

[Anonymous]

What is the rule of thumb for how many lockons you need?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure if there is a rule of thumb, you need to take the whole layout into consideration. When I had bare benchwork, I laid out actual tubular track to make sure everything I planned would work. On one 16x22 loop I had one lockon on each leg (four total) running roughly over about 76 feet of track. That was all I needed.

BUT when I began to build my layout, I used Atlas O for one loop and I required considerably more than four hook ups to ensure steady flow of electricity.

I doubt if that answered your question - just approach what you're doing with an open mind (and a bag of lock-ons!).

Bob

[Algonquin]

I don't know of a rule of thumb either. It will depend a lot on the condition and type of track. Specifically, the efficeincy of the track connectors and how well they conduct the current.

I have about 300 feet of Lionel sectional track on my layout. It is a mixture of new and slightly used (no rust) track. I installed a lockon every 15-20 feet and have had no problems.

Regards,

Tim Pignatari