Hello.
I run about 150 feet of track on my layout using a CW-80. I just ran a bus line(14ga) around the layout and then my feeder lines(18ga) come off that to the track in 4 places. Works just fine and as i add more track I will just add more feeders off the bus line. As a side note if your using Fast track any piece can be made into a power section.
Good luck with anything you decide to do.
WyoBiker.
Running a feeder (pair) to the closest point, then on to the next, and so on, is also a perfectly good way to do it and may save you a lot of wire.
Bob Nelson
jgmd5 Would I run these feeder wires directly from the transformer to the different areas of track.
Would I run these feeder wires directly from the transformer to the different areas of track.
That would be the easiest way if there are only a few.
jgmd5 Generally speaking, how much track will this 80-watt transformer support for future reference.
Generally speaking, how much track will this 80-watt transformer support for future reference.
Theoretically, unlimited. If you use large enough feeder wires, you could go with several miles of track if you desire.
jgmd5 Is there a transformer that will memorize areas in the track where the train needs a little boost so that I can be more hands free from it?
You can do this with your CW-80 if you are willing to use the programmable accessory output to power the distant section as an isolated power district. But it's not needed if your layout is free of grades and you run the needed feeder wires.
Rob
Would I run these feeder wires directly from the transformer to the different areas of track. Soldering really isn't an option because the track is temporary (only put up at Christmas). Unless I solder the wire connectors to various areas of the track then wirenut them to the leads coming off the transformer. Does this sound like it'll solve the problem? Generally speaking, how much track will this 80-watt transformer support for future reference. I'd like to be able to run a decent length train...maybe 8 or 10 cars. Is there a transformer that will memorize areas in the track where the train needs a little boost so that I can be more hands free from it?
The problem is not so much losing power but losing voltage. You need to reduce the electrical resistance between the transformer and the train.
Improve track joints, perhaps by soldering. Connect common rails between tracks where they are close to each other. Add feeder wires, at least 14 AWG, to areas that lose voltage.
I'm clearly a novice and need advice regarding power. Seems I need more considering I'm using a CW-80 watt transformer that came with my o-gauge Lionel Central Christmas train set. Problem is, this year I decided to add some track and now have about 60 feet total, I have two loops on either side with several curves throughout. I seem to lose power along those curves and the train stops in several places along the way from lack of power. Should I add power to the existing transformer? Replace the transformer? or do something else? I have looked at some products out there, but really don't know which direction to go. I doubt I'll ever run more than one train/layout at a time, but do plan on adding additional track over the years and could use the flexibility in making changes/adding power, etc. Any advice would be appreciated!
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