track power - O Gauge

[Anonymous]

I am somewhat new to this hobby, unfortunately, my local train shop is small and very busy, they don't have the time to talk in lenght. Currently I am running two trains with two small transformers, by mid summer I hope to expand my layout to run four trains. What kind of transformer do I need to power four trains and several accessories? Any suggestions on a book I could get that would explain in detail (also in layman's trerms) how to power a layout with four trains? It's not going to be a hugh layout (8X10), but it will have alot of action....thx...tom

[spankybird]

Hi Tom,

Well you have several question and the one about how much power is need depends on what kind of trains you are planning on running. Such as, diesels with two motors and passenger cars with lights pull a lot more power than a short freight train and a single motor diesel.

Also are you planning on TMCC or DCS soon? Are you planning on Lionel TMCC engines only or MTH with PS2?

A Lionel ZW has 4 controls for 4 trains, but then you would not have any controls for accessories. You could use your existing power supplies for you accessories. The new ZW’s have some problems with DCS, so if you are planning on DCS, the a postwar is better IMO. Or you could use MTH Z4000 which does not have any problems with either Lionel or MTH, but I believe it can only control 2 loops in conventional mode. So you will need two of them.

If you go command, then by setting your block and one transformer, either ZW or Z4000 should do it.

tom

[phillyreading]

This is my personal opion on pwer supplies as I have been involved with Lionel for almost 40 years, obtain a post-war ZW 275 watt, it will handle four trains at once. Depending on what your accessories are I would say that you can use your old single train transformers with little or no problems.
I like to stay away from the electronics in model railroading because I experiance too many problems with the new stuff.

[jimhaleyscomet]

I use the two Lionel CW-80's to run four small trains on my door layout (3 car freight trains) and I use a 1957 postwar ZW to run my DCS/TMCC big layout with four double motored trains one of which is a passenger train. As you can see it all depends on your layout. If you need a less expensive transformer the NEW MPC trainsformer might work (it must have "pure sign wave) and it is not as expensive as the new ZW and Z4000.

As for help and advice....this forum is great and we love to help with your questions. You might also consider a trip to the library and browse the call letters 625.1 and 625.19.

Jim H

[Chris F]

I've got 2 PW ZW's, a Z-4000, and a modern ZW.

The PW ZW can operate four trains, but has whistle buttons for only two of them. You'll have to buy separate 5906 bell/whistle controllers if you want more flexibility. Total continuous output is about 180 Watts, or about 45 Watts per train if you're running all four.

The Z-4000 can operate two trains, providing about 180 Watts to each. It includes both whistle and bell controllers, and digital volt and amp meters.

The modern ZW can operate four trains, but has whistle and bell buttons for only two of them. It comes with two 180 Watt PowerHouse (PoHo) transformers, each connected to two of the outputs (about 90W per train if you're running all four). You can add two more 180W PoHo's. The modern ZW does not include Volt-Amp meters, but an add-on is available separately.

If you want to run four trains from one transformer, you can purchase a CAB-1 remote controller to operate the modern ZW, which includes four PowerMaster controllers internally. This combination allows you to vary the voltage to each of the four tracks, as well as operate the whistle/bell for each.

I use the modern ZW with CAB-1 to operate my conventional locomotives. I also have the Command Base to operate my TMCC locomotives. I don't have DCS.

[tschmidt]

Tom,

I do things a little different and it's probably not the normal way but it works well for me. I do not use a transformer on my track. I get all my power from a Lionel 180 watt Powerhouse. I use aTMCC Track Power Controller 300, TMCC Command Base and CAb-1 remote to control everything. I use my old 1950's 110 watt transformer to power my switches and I use a TMCC SC-2 Switch Controller to run them remotely.

I have run 3 different trains at the same time. My track is not a complicated one. There's a little over 100 feet of track and 4 switches (soon to be 6).

I guess there's many different ways to get this done.

Tom

[spankybird]

QUOTE: by Chris F
If you want to run four trains from one transformer, you can purchase a CAB-1 remote controller to operate the modern ZW

One DCS TIU has 4 channels to opperate 4 loops and just as TMCC and operate mutilple trains at the same time on the same track, if you wi***o use Command control.

[Chris F]

Tom (sbnr466) - I forgot to mention the book, perhaps I should say THE book on wiring toy train layouts. You can see it on CTT's book website

http://store.yahoo.com/kalmbachcatalog/10-8320.html

If you're also interested in Command Control, there's a link to a book on that subject on the same page. Check Amazon pricing, too ([;)])

Tom (tschmidt) - Can you run three trains in conventional mode with your setup, or just in command mode? If it's conventional, how is it done?

Tom (spankybird) - I mentioned the modern ZW/CAB-1 combination because you can operate in conventional mode without having to set up any command equipment. I got the impression that Tom (sbnr466) wasn't ready to address command control issues, yet. However, some reading on command systems may be advisable before choosing a transformer (hence the link).

Tom - oops, ran out of Tom's![:D]

[tschmidt]

Chris,

I have not tried to run 3 in conventional mode, just command I am still learning about all this stuff. I am going to visit my favorite train store tomorrow. They are very knowledgable and if anyone has that answer I'll let you know.

One of the Tom's

[Anonymous]

Thank you all, you've given me some great insight.....tom

[jimhaleyscomet]

Tom,

Many hobby shops are much less busy during the weekday. A visit then might be very helpful.

Jim H