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Wiring extra circuits info please.

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  • Member since
    December 2003
  • From: St Paul, MN
  • 6,218 posts
Posted by Big_Boy_4005 on Sunday, August 28, 2005 8:13 AM
Very cool Wiz. I'll bet you're the first one on your block to have TMCC. [swg] Enjoy!!
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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, August 28, 2005 3:30 AM
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
  • Member since
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  • From: Willoughby, Ohio
  • 5,231 posts
Posted by spankybird on Saturday, August 27, 2005 10:30 AM
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.

I am a person with a very active inner child. This is why my wife loves me so. Willoughby, Ohio - the home of the CP & E RR. OTTS Founder www.spankybird.shutterfly.com 

  • Member since
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  • From: St Paul, MN
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Posted by Big_Boy_4005 on Saturday, August 27, 2005 9:52 AM
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?
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Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, August 27, 2005 9:06 AM
That's great, just what I needed to know, thanks Big Boy.
  • Member since
    December 2003
  • From: St Paul, MN
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Posted by Big_Boy_4005 on Saturday, August 27, 2005 8:53 AM
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.
  • Member since
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Wiring extra circuits info please.
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, August 27, 2005 5:42 AM
[: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[|)]

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