Transformer Questions and track wiring Questions

[Anonymous]

I haven't got my wall mounted rail done yet, but I have some transformer questions:

I have two engines, both single motor Lionel's from the 1970's.  I have the original transformer, a 50 watt (4150??).  I have about 45 feet of track.  For now, I will probably run only one trian.  Eventually I will run an isolated block or a turnout for the other. 

How often would you connect electric to the track.  I'll be using Gargraves Tinplate when it comes in.  I've seen anywhere from every 6-8' recommended to maybe up to 50'.  I had a setup on a 4x8 sheet of plywood when I was a kid with an oval that took up most of it, and a diagonal path though the middle and a turnout line (all manual switches), and it had one track lock on and I didn't notice any problems, but I was probably 8-12 when I actively played with it. 

Next, I don't intend on getting any of the fancy new TMCC engines.  If I need a bigger transformer to run two trains (or maybe three eventually), what's people opinions?  I know someone will say get the TPC, but I'd like to limit the transformer purchase to about $100 if I get this portion working. 

Thanks

Jason

[wrmcclellan]

Jason,

You will be fine with your present transformer. I recommend you plan on drops every 6-8 feet (as you note) from the track to a 14 or 16 ga set of hot and common bus wires. You can use 16 or 18 Ga wire for the short drops to the bus.

If what you are doing is purely temporary - then just use a lockon and make sure all your track pin/joiner connections are tight and you should be fine.

If you get to a point where you will be running long trains, dual motored Postwar trains, or passenger cars with a lot of lights, you will likely have to upgrade your transformer.

Have fun and if you have additional questions just give us a shout.

[lionelsoni]

With good (not necessarily soldered, although that would be best) track connections you should be well able to do a 45-foot loop without any feeders.

[lionel2]

With a 8x4 layout i usually had 2 lockons to provide the track with power...just run a train and where it loses some power put a lockon there...but make sure its just not a bad section of track....i put a lockon every 12 to 15 sections of 10inch lionel 0 guage..roughly every 10 to 12 feet...thanks

[phillyreading]

A post war ZW or Z transformer will work nicely but you may spend over $200 for a transformer. Limiting yourself to $100 on a transformer is not practical more like $250.

Lee F.

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone,

I'll use what I have for now, and just run one train, with at least two lockons, I can measure the voltage drop on the rails pretty well I'm guessing.  I will probably connect in at least 3 or 4 places, as eventually, I'll isolate some sections of track and need connection points there anyway.  Then I'll see where I need to go from there. 

Jason

[cnw1995]

Jason, these guys do it the right way. Just for comparison, I run five separate loops - each with their own transformer and just one lock-on connection - most are small but one of these is about 76 ft. of track, and I can run a two-motor GG1 and three lighted passenger cars off a K-Line trainset transformer, so to get started, you can also do it this bad way