Back on the tracks after 20 years

[Anonymous]

Hello All,

I've unburied all of my Lionel pieces and started a new layout in a spare room.  The layout is done and I'm ready for power.  I've read many of the other postings and I'm just not getting it.  What ever happened to the simple transformer - oh well.

My layout has 8 switches and eventually numerous accesories.  I want to run at least 3 trains and I'm ready to buy what I need to do all of this.  Obviously I want the new stuff but am not sure how it all fits together and what I need to get.

Can anyone provide me with a list of what I need?   I can read up on everything once I get a starting point.  Sorry if this question is repetitive.

Thanks for your help!

Hattereno

[FJ and G]

A lot has happened in the last 20 years. Reminds me of the story of Rip Van Winkle.

Within the next year, I'll be starting a new 3 rail layout. Sounds like you want to just run the trains. If so, why not just 3 loops of track? (the loop can be different shapes including a figure 8; take a  loop of string and check out all the shapes you can get). Can't get much simpler than that; and that is how I intend to do it.

I'll create a yard as well for rolling stock but not connect it to the mainline.

If you don't have turnouts, you greatly lessen problems and tinkering and derailments.

However, do you enjoy switching?

How you intend to operate your set is important to the planning.

[Anonymous]

I have three main loops that I intend on running my trains.  I've incorporated the switches so I can at times run one throughout the whole course.  I've had just the standard loops before but now want something extreme.  Switching is exciting and lends itself to much greater imagination.

As far as derailing, I've built my entire layout from FasTrack and have enjoyed no derailments with my tinkering over the past 3 years.  This product is great.

Now I just need to get it all running.

[Roger Bielen]

hattereno,  Welcome to the forum.  When I got back into trains around 10 years ago I too was amazed at the advances.  I suggest spending time reading the magazines to learn what is on the market.

If you will be running postwar, non-digital controlled, engines I'd suggest a new style ZW type transformer.  With this unit you can upgrade to digital control without much more investment in the future and still run convetional equipment.  If I'm correct it comes with 360 watts of power and can be increased, it has 4 "channels" for individual loops.

I'm sure you'll be getting a number of opinions.  Enjoy.

[Anonymous]

Thanks. I'll be running both postwar and new digital engines. I've read through through numerous publications to get a grasp on things.

I would like to run TMCC. Do I need a track controller, Accesory Voltage controller, can I run 2 switch controlers, command base, power master, power controler, AND ZW/Powerhouse.

It's all overwelming and I truly feel like a novice after all these years.

[Roger Bielen]

hattereno,  My system is wired for predominantly TMCC, I use a base station, TPC400, 2 X 180.w powerhouses and CAB-1's.  If I want to use conventional control I have toggle switches for my loops that I can switch from the TPC400 to my original Powermaster that I keep set for conventional operation.  There are a number of accessory type controlers for switches, etc. in the catalogue that I'm not familiar with.

When I started TMCC the new ZW's were not yet proven and I was unwilling to make the investment in one shot.  Your best bet would be to find a local Lionel dealer that is a hobbiest, not just a vendor, and discuss your goals, what is available, and how you might do your wiring so that the accessory controlers can be added in the future as needed, and funds allow.

[YGBSM]

Hatterno, I just got back into the hobby after 10 years and it's a whole new ball game.  I decided to upgrade to TMCC and it is definitely worth it.  To run TMCC, I have a new ZW with 2 180 watt bricks, a cab-1 and a power master.  It all works great and is very easy to learn. 

[cnw1995]

Welcome, Hattero! 

[Buckeye Riveter]

Welcome back, Hattereno.  

Roger's post above describes almost the exact set up I use with the TPC and CAB-1.  One of the biggest changes in the hobby is the track.  Another thing that is new is the infrared controllers.  Of course there are some really neat new accessoriest.  One of my favorites it the musical hobo water tower.

[Anonymous]

Welcome aboard, Hattero