Hello all, I need some help with some general questions.

[Anonymous]

I've posted a few questions on this board and you guys have been extremely helpful. The layout I am constructing in my garage is "L" shaped , incorporating three 4' X 8' tables on wheels.

Now that my benchwork is built, I am ready to start crafting my layout and have some general questions and figured what better place to ask them.

-Is there a maximum number of accessories, along with powering the track, that can be connected to a single transformer--specifically the CW-80? Or, should I consider a separate transformer just for accessories?

-In regards to O gauge, what is the correct width for a road?? For instance, a two-lane road through the middle of a town.

-What is the best resource to learn about wiring a toy train layout?

-I have chosen outdoor carpet mounted to 1" styrene and glued to plywood as the base of my layout. What is the best way to mount things to the carpet (i.e. lichen)? Would a hot glue gun work OK?

-I am looking closely at the Lionelville and/or RailKing buildings to populate the layout. Is there any real difference? Both look like they could pass for the 1940's or 1950's toy train-type buildings, which is what I am looking for.


thanks gang, I really appreciate the advice. This forum sure makes things a lot easier when you get started.

SG

[cnw1995]

Welcome again, Scott. Sounds like you've made amazing progress.
- I do not have the CW-80 but the determinant I would consider is the power required by the accessories themselves. I do use the accessory terminals of smaller transformers that are dedicated to the accessories as you noted.
- For your road - how close to actual scale are you considering? If it is more looks 'good enough', there are some interesting materials you can use - I use strips cut from roof shingles - and I would consider how the road looks in relation to the buildings you end up using and the overall effect - a country road, a city street - a well-kept town throughfare, an older road in need of repaving, a dirt road, an access road - you get my drift...
- There is a wonderful Kalmbach book on Wiring for Toy Train Layouts - see a link to it from the main CTT site. I would recommend it highly - it helped my 'mental' transition from N scale to O gauge - and I am still a wiring dunce.
- The hot glue may work - I would guess it depends on the pile of the outdoor carpet - I would consider just placing things around. Matte medium or just plain diluted white glue may work too. As you might guess, the type of glue depends on the items you wi***o join.
- Both the Lionelvill and MTH buildings are similar and would meet your needs - in fact, there are some amazing deals on the Lionel stock from some CTT advertisers.

[dwiemer]

Scott,
The CW80 is limited on power, so I doubt that it could handle more than a few small draw items. You can pick up a used 1033 or two relatively cheap on Ebay. I second Doug's advice on roads, I would just take a couple of scale vehicles and see what "looks right". I have the wiring book Doug mentioned, well worth the money. Also, you can get specific information here just by asking those that have been there, done that. As to how many accessories to include, it is your layout, do what you wish, it will change, you will get more and change things around. An old saying is that your layout is "never complete", you will keep working on it. I would make sure that I start with a plan. do you want to model an industry? More than one or two? What is the concept? Do you want to have a point to point layout in which you actually bring X train from point Y to point Z. One thing i like to do is look at other layouts and learn what they do and see if I can apply something to my layout. Good Luck, Dennis

[Anonymous]

A Scenic Express O-gauge Highway is 4" [16' in scale]wide. I would think that a rural road or street could be even less.
The book noted will help with electricals. Also. you can get a lot of help on your wiring from folks on the Forum. But it will help to know what engines [and how many ]and lighted cars you plan to run now and as well as for future operations if you know. Also, are you planning to operate in a Conventional or Command system---again looking to the future as well as now?
Post war engines and lighted cars pull more wattage[amperage] than modern models. Older cars can have as muchas 9-10 watts load per car, thus a 4 car consist plus engine can use more than 1/2 the rated capacity of your 80 watt tranny.

If you can possibly afford it, buy a larger transformer for your railpower needs now. Used, reconditioned postwar Lionel single core ZWs sell for about $150 and have a net output of 180-90 watts of power. A new MTH Z-4000 at 360 watts is twice as large as the old ZW and costs about $360.[a good rule of thumb for new transformers is paying about $1 per watt].
Of course there are other units such as the Lionel Celebration ZW which is a controller linked to PowerHouse transformers. You can also set up with Track Power Controllers[TPCs] linked to PoHos for Conventional or Command. Also, MRC offers both 135 watt and 270 watt transformers and it seems Williams is offering a 150 watt unit.

[Anonymous]

I use 2 CW80's to power my 2 loops. Everything else is run off 2 new Lionel "accessory transformers", about $25. each. This works for me. My KW sits in the closet. Joe

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys,
Lots of good advice.

Joe, I like how you have yours set up and since I am new to this.....it appears simpler is better.

SG

[Anonymous]

can i build a all stirofoam plat form

[Anonymous]

i got a rectangle train display that is '24 by '62. so far i got a n scale figure 8 layout is there any way i can put an upper level to add more trains?

[ADCX Rob]

QUOTE:

Used, reconditioned postwar Lionel single core ZWs sell for about $150 and have a net output of 180-90 watts of power. A new MTH Z-4000 at 360 watts is twice as large as the old ZW and costs about $360.[a good rule of thumb for new transformers is paying about $1 per watt].

Consider too the street price(list $120... ~ $50 on eBay for set break-ups) of the CW-80 - you can get 320 watts output, continuous(4 units), for about $200.00. If you are running trains with the CW and powering switches & accessories seperately, the CW is quite capable. A 2333/2343/2353 AA type with a long passenger consist will be too much, but when you get into vertical motors or singles, can motors & MPC, the CW is a pretty good power supply.

Rob