Transformer question

[xixpsychoxix]

I have been a model railroader since i was little, but i am just now getting serious about the hobby, so excuse my stupid question.  I have a small layout with bachmann easy-track and an old brown bachmann transformer. i am trying to run a spectrum pennsy k-4 with four spectrum lighted coaches. the engine does not have a problem pulling that much weight because i've pulled other cars with it; however, when i run the lighted coaches, the power to the engine goes down and i cannot seem to pull them. i was wondering how i can push more power into my track. should i look at a new transformer? can i hook up multiple transformers together to push out more power? as i said, i am pretty much completely new at all of this and am not sure how to do this. i dont want to try to do something and fry my engine! any help would be greatly appreciated!

[cacole]

 The transformer you have is not putting out enough current for the lighted passenger cars.  Don't try hooking up multiple transformers unless you like to see fireworks on your layout.  It would be impossible to get two transformers adjusted to the same speed and if one is inadvertently switched to the wrong direction you are creating a dead short which can be a fire hazard with those old power transformers because they do not have circuit protectors in them.  They will happily try to run a train in both directions at the same time until they start to smoke.  Get yourself a good, new MRC power pack and use those old ones for building lights or other accessories.

[xixpsychoxix]

Ok. About how much am i looking to pay for another transformer?

[jeffrey-wimberly]

 You can get a MRC Railpower 1370 power pack for around $45 from Walther's.

[xixpsychoxix]

 well, cheaper is not always better, but generally it is when you're on a low budget I will have to look and see what there is to offer. like i said, im really new at this. i mainly have a collection of old bachmann stuff, freight cars and such, but i really want to set up a nice display, so maybe when i have some money i'll dig to the bottom of my pocket and see what i can scrape up....

[dstarr]

 The little power packs that come with trainsets are designed for lowest possible cost, and so, have just enough output to operate a single locomotive.  The lights in your 4 cars probably draw as much current as the locomotive does and the wimpy trainset power pack cannot furnish enough current to light the cars and run the locomotive. 

   MRC is a dependable name in model power packs.  As a matter of fact, they seem to be the only maker left, or at least the only maker in the Walther's catalog.  I got a Tech II years ago and it still works fine.  You want a power pack rated at 1 amp DC or 12 Volt Amperes (VA)  or a little more.  Walther's 2007 catalog shows an MRC Tech 4-200 for $54.98  There are fancier ones with momentum throttles and volt and current meters and other fancies, but the base model will do the job.