controls

[smcgill]

Aristo's  Te along with the e-lite!

Your next engine or if you want to run two of the same, then if you run smoke,and then add a caboose with lights ,etc.

You get the pic!

You don't plan on getting anything bigger  ( due you fellows!)

It's smart to plan for power hungry units even when you start out!

[two tone]

Hi Snowshoe, BE very wary of ebay a lot of people thought they had a good bargain until it arriverd. Take a look in your local train store he may have some second hand items if so you can always take them back if they dont work   You cannot do that with ease on ebay   Look in the garden railways mag you may just see what you want in it.    Hope this helps

[SNOWSHOE]

Just split the feeds where ever you want to. Just be sure to keep the polarity straight like using the ribbed wire for the inside rail. On my layout I run a main feed from the throttle to the layout and then split the feeds there. What ever uses the least wire is usually the cheapest way .

-Brian 

 

 

 

Thats what I thought, thanks again.  I really cant wait until I get my layout started this spring.  I checked out the e-bay link.  Thats a good deal.  I probably wont be buying any power supplies for another month or so.  I was doing some research and found  the LGB 5 amp throttle without the little house for under a hundred.  If I get that I just need something to hook up to that for under a hundred.  then I should be in good shape.

[altterrain]

Just split the feeds where ever you want to. Just be sure to keep the polarity straight like using the ribbed wire for the inside rail. On my layout I run a main feed from the throttle to the layout and then split the feeds there. What ever uses the least wire is usually the cheapest way .

-Brian 

 

 

[SNOWSHOE]

You can get away with a jumper every 80-100 feet with brass track and regular rail joiners. I use a jumper every 50 feet with my stainless. I'm using mostly 16 ga. low voltage landscape wire, bumping that up to 14 ga. for longer runs of wire.

-Brian 

 

Wire to the track in two spots on my layout should be fine.  Now when I hook the wires up it goes from the throttle to the track, then where would the other wire go? from the throttle again to the other end of the layout or do I splice the wire and add the second to that.  

[altterrain]

You can get away with a jumper every 80-100 feet with brass track and regular rail joiners. I use a jumper every 50 feet with my stainless. I'm using mostly 16 ga. low voltage landscape wire, bumping that up to 14 ga. for longer runs of wire.

18 volts 3 amps - $88 BuyItNow with shipping (no bidding)

http://cgi.ebay.com/MASTECH-LINEAR-VARIABLE-DC-POWER-SUPPLY-0-18-V-0-3-A_W0QQitemZ250144288128QQihZ015QQ

-Brian 

[SNOWSHOE]

For power on the cheap get a DC power in the 18 to 24 volt range from eBay like this one -

http://cgi.ebay.com/24-Volt-145-Watt-Switching-Power-Supply_W0QQitemZ330208581585QQihZ014QQ

Most like the one above are a bit adjustable. Setting it at the lower range of 21 volts will work better for most systems. 

Hook it up to an AristoCraft Train Engineer (55470) or their 10 amp controller (55401) and you're all set.

 -Brian

 

I want to avoid e-bay.  I hate the biding wars.  I think thats my biggest problem, im use to the basic power pack (plug it in to the wall and then from the pack to the track).  When I look on sites like ridge rd ect.... I dont really understand what I need.  I understan the throttle and then you need a power supply??? thats where I am getting lost The way they word the power supplies and how do I know whether I need a throttle on top of that.  It is very confusing to me.  I get the basic concept but when I start looking around I get really confused.  I hope im not confusing anyone here and thanks for putting up with me  If anyone can give me brand and model numbers for reasonably priced power supply and a throttle (preferably an outdoor throttle)  That might help me undestand a little better.  I tried reading about this stuff but I get even more lost.

[SNOWSHOE]

Hi Snowshoe, I use the train engineer as my controller gives very good speed with out any jumps very smooth, I also use a 5amp power supply my layout is 300feet plus. If you are thinking of a large layout then use a 10 amp power supply all my electrics are in doors the train engineer speed control is the only thing i need out doors.    Hope this helps

 

Thats what Im looking for, a contoler for outdoors and then a 3 or 5 amp power supply.  My biggest problem is a set-up like this is way to much for me.  I trying to find an alternative or a system like this but under a hundred.  Is that possible? (I hate dealing with the bid wars on e-bay) or worst case just go with a basic powerpack that I hook up when I run the trains outside.  I will have between 70 to 100ft of track.  With a engine.  I guess three amp is plent.  What about jumper wires, how many will a need.  If anyone has pictured I can see of how to hook up wires.   I know the basic with the sarter sets -from the power pack to the track but what about wiring jumpers (if thats what it is called - Im sort of new to this wiring concept.  Do I need wire hooked up evry 20ft?  Thanks 

[spikejones52002]

The length of track does not determine the amperage of your power supply.

The only thing that determinates the amperage is what or how much equiptment you are running on the track.

For long length of track. You need to run unspliced feeder wire. (16 gauge) along with the track and tap jumpers periodicly.

[two tone]

Hi Snowshoe, I use the train engineer as my controller gives very good speed with out any jumps very smooth, I also use a 5amp power supply my layout is 300feet plus. If you are thinking of a large layout then use a 10 amp power supply all my electrics are in doors the train engineer speed control is the only thing i need out doors.    Hope this helps

[altterrain]

For power on the cheap get a DC power in the 18 to 24 volt range from eBay like this one -

http://cgi.ebay.com/24-Volt-145-Watt-Switching-Power-Supply_W0QQitemZ330208581585QQihZ014QQ

Most like the one above are a bit adjustable. Setting it at the lower range of 21 volts will work better for most systems. 

Hook it up to an AristoCraft Train Engineer (55470) or their 10 amp controller (55401) and you're all set.

 -Brian

[SNOWSHOE]

My next step in research takes me to controls.  As of now I have the bachmann 1amp control and the LGB starter set control.  Both are not enough for what I need outdoors.  My layout for now is going to be between 70 and 100ft of track (more on the lower end).  Im guessing a controler that is 3-5 amps will do.  I plan on running one engine at a time maybe two (bachmann big hauler and Stainz)  I like the idea of having a throttle that can stay outdoors like the LGB and then the pack inside.   I really like the LGB throttle but the price is way to high for me.  Is there any other brand that has a similar set-up.  What other options do I have.  I want something very basic and simple dont need all the bells and whistles.  Everything I look at is very confusing as for how they are labled on web sites.  I am use to the basic power packs that come with the sets.  Anyother options would be great.