G Scale Suspended - Power Questions

[dbaker48]

Greetings, I am an O-Scaler, with a long term admiration of G-Scale.  I am currently building a train room for all our "stuff", it will have a 39" Bench top layout dedicated to O scale.  I own 3 G-Scale trains, (LGB General D&RG, Bachmann Heisler Log Train, LGB Christmas Train, and a 42 Ford truck that runs on G-Scale).

Intent - Run a maximum of two trains at a time around the perimeter of the room, on shelving above the windows. (layout below).  I know I have a HIGH risk using the 22 degree crossover, but was planning to create two isolated blocks coming in to the crossing on toggle switch control.  Two trains would only be operated when I am in the room, and the idea of the toggle switch is that if the trains began to catch one another I could shut one off at the block to accommodate distance seperation.

 

Questions:

1. I have a MRC 6200 Transformer, Mode I 18.5v, 35va, Mode II 14v, 27va and a MRC Tech II which is rated at 16va.  Will the 6200 be able to support the LGB General and the Heisler on approximately 132 linear feet of track?

2. With O gauge typically have a power connect at every 4 or 5 track joints.  And solder all the track joints.  Do the same guidelines apply here? 

3. Are they any issues with combining AristoCraft track and LGB track? 

edit - I just checked out the thread on the Aristo & LGB track, I am assuming that "Rail Clamps" refer to Hillmans rail clamps? (New to me, will check on availability, need to go buy a Garden Railway magazine!

I really appreciate any thoughts, and suggestions!  Thank you VERY much for your help!!! 

[Anonymous]

Don,

The whole thing soumds like a bit of a hodge podge to me but if you are on a small budget and this is the way you wish to do it, it should all work ok.

1/The power supply should drive 2 lgb locos but i don't know hhopw much power the Bachmann draws, i have heard some of them are very big power users.

2/ I join LGB and Aristo track all the time but i dislike and distrust the aristo joiners; i use LGB joiners and solder them. If you do this don't worry about that silly jumper wire stuff, waste of time in any guage if you solder your joints.

3/ I only use Hillman clamps on points (switches) so they can be easily removed for service, so i would put then on your crossover and anything else of a mechanical nature.

Rgds Ian  

[ttrigg]

Instead of doing this:


Have you thought about doing something like:


Then two trains could run any time even when you are not there.  Added benefit would be not having to worry about one catching up to the other.  Two switches (electrical) could control the four turnouts, thus allowing you to change whenever you want, or not.

I agree with Ian "The power supply should drive 2 LGB locos but I don't know how much power the Bachmann draws".  I think you will be fine.

As for the track, if you have not already purchased it I would recommend getting the "flex" track. It comes in 1.5 meter sections (~5 ft.), solder every other rail joint using LGB joints, and then rail clamps on the other joints.  If you do not put in any isolation joints (again with rail clamps) you should only have to put in one set of power leads, as close as possible to the crossovers.  Assuming that your grid in the picture is a foot per square, your trains would never be more than about 35 feet from the power lead, and you should have no problems at all.

[Anonymous]

Here, here to that. flex track type rail is a great way to go with a long a pieces as you can get, our club rail is 3.6 m long (12') a bit awkward but then you solder your joins and voila no problems.

Rgds ian

[dbaker48]

I do not doubt your expertise and advice regarding the track design.  The risks are high and it is pretty much asking for trouble.  Not trying to justify, but the situation is that I have just recently had the room constructed, and gone through a lot of expense to get where we are.  'So now I'm trying to get the maximum benefit for the least cost.  Eventually, within the 12 to 18 months I forsee that track having a siding all ow which is under seperate switch control.  Possibly even some relays to generate a series of train operations. 

So in the interium I wanted to get the perspective of two trains running on that shelf, and how visible they actually are.  The shelf is 15" wide.  The reason for the crossover is just to change the position from rear to front.  If it becomes a issues for the short term, I would just make them two independent ovals, until I can afford all the necessary switches and motors.

I really DO appreciate your inputs and comments!  I'm anxious to get it up there to see how it will all work.  Planned on installing it this week, but been down with a bad "cold" and a son home with the "flu" all week.  Maybe get to work on it next week.  Boards are all cut, I need to paint them, then install them. 

[Anonymous]

Good oh mate lets hear how it goes!

Rgds Ian

[dbaker48]

Ian,

I will post some pictures, and post how it goes.

(This all marvels me, here I am communicating with a guy from Australia regarding my silly train layout.   MARVELOUS) 

[Anonymous]

Aristo track and LGB track can be used together.......as far as attaching power every few sections are not necessary.

I use Aristo track outside with one power connection and it works perfect, all track screwed together with those little Aristo screws. I think it's about 75 to 85 feet in length.....planning on expanding this spring by 150 feet.

dan 

[ttrigg]

Don;
I too can understand the $$$$ restraints.  If that is a concession to start up costs, then by all means go for it and have fun.  Expansion cures all design problems anyway!

[dbaker48]

Hoped to have had a lot more done by now, but have had a bad cold, and my son home with the flu.  So didn't get anywhere.  Then we got the Super Bowl this week-end, so will get it done soon.

 

Don 

[tlnibert]

I have loops several hundred ft long with only one connection. I use Split Jaw Rail clamps, I had far less trouble with them, the others are bad to break. The clamps supplied with the track are a waste of time.

Tom

[Anonymous]

Tom i am largely with you on this but i like LGB rail joiners when they are soldered. I also prefer Hillman to Spitjaw, i found them harder to handle than the single Hillman oneaand i thoght the concept and application wasn't as good. However i really like the way they have done their insulating clamp, easy to use and easy to abserve later on.

Rgds Ian