I've been looking at LGB transformers and speed controls. Unlike my LGB locomotive and rolling stock the transformer and speed controls are for indoor use only. What kind of speed control and transformer do I need for outdoor use? Any and all suggestions and recommendations are welcome. Thanks,
A67rs
Bridgeworks makes very good equipment. I would say they are weather resistant, (not sure about weather proof.) Here is what I did; I wanted to have a small workbench as well as a control panel.
This bench has worked just fine for almost 4 years. No moisture problems at all.
Tom Trigg
Thanks Very much. I like the idea of the controls covered by a work bench. I'm new to garden RR...very new... I have the locomotive, most of the track and am now shopping around for transformers and speed controls. I had only been looking at LGB products because they are supposed to be "the best". I'll now check out Bridgeworks also.
Just another question, if you don't mind. My layout will consist of an LGB Mogul 2028D, and four or five cars. No lights or anything fancy. From what I have learned a 2 amp transformer and matching speed control should do it. Would greatly appreciate your thoughts. Thanks Again,
Bernie Horan
Palmyra , Va.
A`2 amp transformer may be too light. The Bridgewerks 3 amp is a good size. Keep in mind that the more cars you pull or the heavier engine will require a bigger pack. I have two pages on my web site that might be some help. www.ckgscale.com. Regards, Dennis
Dennis: Go out to bridgewerks site and have a look at their goodies.
I’m a firm believer in "over buying" when it comes to the power side of this hobby. Be prepared for the unplanned expansion that will happen in a few years. I had planned for a smaller transformer at the outset. In fact I had thought of only using the transformer that came with my LGB "starter set". SWMBO (she who MUST be obeyed), having gone through the same experience in the smaller scales, vetoed that concept. I picked up a 10 amp Bridgewerks and have not regretted it yet. I had not planned on illuminating anything, SWMBO mandated that change, she also dictated further expansion than I had planned. Just because you get a larger amp unit does not mean you will use all the additional power now, but later on you just might need it.
ttrigg Dennis: Go out to bridgewerks site and have a look at their goodies. http://www.bridgewerks.com/ I’m a firm believer in "over buying" when it comes to the power side of this hobby. Be prepared for the unplanned expansion that will happen in a few years. I had planned for a smaller transformer at the outset. In fact I had thought of only using the transformer that came with my LGB "starter set". SWMBO (she who MUST be obeyed), having gone through the same experience in the smaller scales, vetoed that concept. I picked up a 10 amp Bridgewerks and have not regretted it yet. I had not planned on illuminating anything, SWMBO mandated that change, she also dictated further expansion than I had planned. Just because you get a larger amp unit does not mean you will use all the additional power now, but later on you just might need it.
I have been over-building my new railroad, so I can add REAL rocks to the bench work that's on the patio. I am also overpowering since I have Bridgeworks 15 amp (remote controled) and 10 amp blue hogger with a walk-around controler (wired). PS the 15 amper was a gift from my wife. Boy do I miss San Antonio Hobby's The place my wife shoped for me, it was near her work. so far i have 9 blocks of 11 wired and working off of the power pack's. I plan on at least two trains running at the same time with at least 2-2motor engins on each. Oh my wife like's what I've done so far since I'm cleaning up the overgrown yard as I go.
Dave
The head is gray, hands don't work , back is weak, legs give out, eyes are gone, money go's and my wife still love's Me.
My mainline is a 450' loop and a 120' branch line, I like to walk along with my train(s) and I can't see my whole railroad from any one place. I like Aristo's Train Engineer for those reasons and the Ultama power supply and R/C units are mounted in my house, out of the weather.
Have fun, Rob
I am using the LGB power pack with the outdoor throttle. Works great. I have the power supply inside my house. I just ran a wire from inside to the layout (burried underground) Then I have it hooked up to the outdoor throttle next to the layout. So far works great. The power supply is 6 amp. More than enough for my 60+ ft of track. When I want to run trains all I have to do is plug the power supply in and im ready to play.
Just to reiterate, I’m a firm believer in "plug-n-play" and "over build/power". Over building and over powering give much greater flexibility in the inevitable unplanned expansion of the empire. "Plug-n-play" is simply the ability to make that single plugging in of the power supply and you are ready to go. Some people like to use the walk-around (wired and wireless) controllers, I prefer to sit back in the chair and watch from there. In my case I need all the controls; speed, turnout routing, coupling and uncoupling at arms length from my chair. We all have our own preferences, so in this case I would say that the "best" method for anyone, is what they like.
dwbeckettttrigg Dennis: Go out to bridgewerks site and have a look at their goodies. http://www.bridgewerks.com/ I’m a firm believer in "over buying" when it comes to the power side of this hobby. Be prepared for the unplanned expansion that will happen in a few years. I had planned for a smaller transformer at the outset. In fact I had thought of only using the transformer that came with my LGB "starter set". SWMBO (she who MUST be obeyed), having gone through the same experience in the smaller scales, vetoed that concept. I picked up a 10 amp Bridgewerks and have not regretted it yet. I had not planned on illuminating anything, SWMBO mandated that change, she also dictated further expansion than I had planned. Just because you get a larger amp unit does not mean you will use all the additional power now, but later on you just might need it. I have been over-building my new railroad, so I can add REAL rocks to the bench work that's on the patio. I am also overpowering since I have Bridgeworks 15 amp (remote controled) and 10 amp blue hogger with a walk-around controler (wired). PS the 15 amper was a gift from my wife. Boy do I miss San Antonio Hobby's The place my wife shoped for me, it was near her work. so far i have 9 blocks of 11 wired and working off of the power pack's. I plan on at least two trains running at the same time with at least 2-2motor engins on each. Oh my wife like's what I've done so far since I'm cleaning up the overgrown yard as I go. Dave
My lighted 18 car "Empire Builder" with ABBA F-3's consist and Phoenix sound draws 24 amps at 22 volts alone.
Ultimatly 5 loops, will all be tied together to form a main line of over 2500 foot long, capable of running at least 5 trains at once, close to 80 foot long trains......I love L-O-N-G trains,"MAIN LINE AMERICA".
Byron C.
Thanks Dennis,
EMPIRE II LINEOH WELL, maybe everyone would say I am really into over-kill......Byron C.
Byron: That is NOT overkill! It is simply ensuring adwequate resources for future operations and expansion!
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