Power Advice needed for NCE DCC N Scale Layout

[Dannyboy6]

Happy Friday all!

I'm about to the wiring phase of my 4x8 N Scale coal hauling and intermodal layout, and would like some advice on what power source to use.

I've chosen the NCE Starter as my DCC product and have outfitted my locos with Digitrax decoders. 

I've allowed for 12 feeders in the design, will have no more than 8 locos once I get them all, and will only use that power source for track power, as I have another power supply for all accessories. My turnouts are actuated by ground throws.

My other layout is an all Lionel Legacy 15x19 room sized layout, so I'm used to "no power blocks" and one power source for the whole layout. I mention this as my experience is all AC power.

My conundrum is, what do I use to power the layout so I have enough power?

 

Thanks!

[cacole]

The output of the NCE PowerCab should be sufficient because on a layout that size you probably will never be running more than one or two locomotives at the same time.  Even with sound, a newer DCC equipped locomotives uses less than 1/2 Amp of power.

[mfm37]

A year or so ago I measured current draw on our NTRAK layout. One district had 5 Intermountain FT's all with sound and 3 KATO SD70's. Combined the two trains were pulling about 100 cars. The current draw on that district measured 1.1 amps. There was a 90 degree turn in that district which added drag and probably increased the draw a little. Using those figures, a Powercab should be plenty of power for your layout.

Martin Myers

 

 

[Dannyboy6]

Thank you all for the fine advice!

[tstage]

Danny,

The NCE Power Cab is a command station, booster, and throttle all rolled-up-into-one.  It comes with a wall transformer so there is nothing else you need to purchase for operating your trains.

If, however, you need more power than what the Power Cab puts out,  you can purchase a NCE Smart Booster (SB3a) that will increase the Power Cab's output from 1.7A to 5A.  It will also give you the ability to disconnect and connect your Power to your layout without shutting it down.  A UTP panel will make that much more convenient.

Tom