Wiring extra circuits info please.

[Anonymous]

[:I] I've had a look through the forum but can not find an answer to my problem. I'm finally adding a second circuit to my system but need a little help. I've just received a 180W Powerhouse and following previous help I now have the correct Direct Lockon. Firstly, should I isolate all 3 rails between the two circuits of track or just the centre rail? Also do I connect the direct lockon to the command base or will the existing connection from my other powerhouse suffice? This must seem very obvious to some of you, maybe I'm just tired[|)]

[Big_Boy_4005]

I think the way it works is, the lockon is acting as a circuit breaker. You will want one lockon per power district (electrical block). It sounds like you have 2 loops of track and 2 power supplies.

All of your track should have the 2 outside rails tied together. A single wire from the command base to an outside rail is all you need to hook up, and the signal will go everywhere.

[Anonymous]

That's great, just what I needed to know, thanks Big Boy.

[Big_Boy_4005]

You are welcome Wiz. Out of curiosity, the power that comes out of the wall is a little different on your side of the pond. Is everything working OK with adapters and all?

[spankybird]

Are you planning in running in command mode only [?]

It sound like you are putting the full 18 volts to the track which is great for command, but will not control any conveitional engines.

[Anonymous]

Couple of points, when I'm running Lionel I'm using command mode only and contrary to comments from other users in the UK I have had no problems. This includes new locomotives including the Santa Fe Northern & Southern Pacific GS-2 both with RailSounds 5.0 which I think is wonderful by the way.

I use US to UK power converters made by “Sunpower” which are available through “Maplin” a well known electronic supplies company over here.

I have also added a changeover switch to my first circuit enabling me to change to traditional power supply quickly in order to run several ACE Trains locomotives including the wonderful LNER A4 Mallard, reviewed in CTT recently.

I’m totally hooked on TMCC though and hence the extra circuit, I’m eagerly awaiting the 3rd Rail Flying Scotsman which brings together TMCC and a locomotive dear to my heart. However I wi***he Ace Trains coaches (passenger cars) could have interiors and lighting to match the fantastic Lionel offerings, I’m especially fond of a set of Santa Fe Super Chief cars with the polished aluminium bodies, they are the best looking passenger cars I have ever seen.

If any other UK Lionel fans that are having difficulty with the newer locomotives are reading this, please feel free to contact me to compare set up, I would love to help if I can.

Regards

Wizardtoys

[Big_Boy_4005]

Very cool Wiz. I'll bet you're the first one on your block to have TMCC. [swg] Enjoy!!