Hi everyone
I have a 5mtr X 2.4mtr HO layout using NCE Power Cab and a Pro Cab with a SB3a booster on it , I run 7-8 trains at once and I want to expand my layout in my new home. The new place shall be a 6x6 mtr shed.. I want to incorporate my existing 5 X 2.4mtr layout into, add a 3 shelf layout with a helix for the elevation which will run the whole way around the shed.
My question is will I need to add more boosters to each tier of the layout or will just 1 or 2 more on the top level and say the bottom level be enough for my needs?
Do I need a booster on each level. and what is the maximum size I can go to with just 1 or 2 boosters?
I do have 4 sound locos at the moment but I do plan on running more sound and non sound engines in due time.
Also does this sound like I am going crazy(a layout can never be TOO BIG can it ??) or am I missing something in this planning stage?
davidmbedardLayout size doesn't dictate how many boosters you need, but rather the amperage draw of your locos. You can have a layout the size of a football field, but if you only run a handful of locos you won't need a booster. What you should be looking at is power management to divide your layout into sections. That way if you have a short in one section, the other sections will be unaffected. David B
I agree with David. Our HOn3 modular layout easily runs 8-10 Blackstone sound locos at a time off a single Power Pro system. Each train is under independent control with its own engineer and throttle. The layout has been as big as 48ft x 40ft. We do insist that each module set have its own circuit breaker so that a derailment or rerailment does not take the whole layout down (pretty important during public displays of the layout).
It took some fine tuning to ensure that any auto-reversers tripped before the module circuit breaker which has to trip before the Power Pro circuit breaker.
If operators are controlling more than one train each, then I would question the desirability of local circuit breakers. If each operator has 2-3 running trains being juggled simultaneously, you probably want the whole layout to shut down with a short.
my thoughts, your choices
Fred W