I am currently running an approx 35 year old transformer that works well on small loops (around 26 linear feet) on an HO layout using Powerlock track. Whenever I add additional loops/turnouts to the existing layout, ie another 10-15 linear feet, the trains slow to a crawl or do not work at all.
Approximately how many linear feet should a transformer control before it loses strength? (Assuming all track pieces are clean and in good working order)
I'm asking because I'm trying to determine if a newer transformer would work better and control more linear feet of track. And if I do buy a new transformer, how many linear feet should I expect it to control without compromising the trains pulling ability or speed? Oh yeah, I'm not using any accessories as well.
Would it help if I ran additional wire from the transformer to other rerailer sections to provide power to that end of the track/loop. If so, what guage should I use? And where do I find those couplers that connect the wire to the rerailer?
Another question/dilemna: I also have an O layout side by side with this HO layout and this O layout is approximately 75 linear feet and works absolutely fine. Thus I concluded that a transformer, albeit much newer, can run over 75 linear feet with no issues, Or is a function that the O guage track is much newer and conducts better. Visibly, the O transformer is 3-4 times the size of the old HO transformer. Could that be it?
Thanks in advance as my son looks forward to covering yet more our basement in trains!
TripleD
It's not the transformer at all, but rather the wiring to the remote sections of track on your layout. Generally, the accepted method of wiring HO track is to run a "track bus" below the main line. This is simply a pair of heavy wires. The big boys use #14 or even #12 wire, which you'll recognize as the stuff you wire your house with. I've got a small layout, 5x12 feet, and I use #18 wire for my track bus.
A small wire, typically #20 or #22, runs up from each track bus to one rail of the track. I use one of these every 5-6 feet. Some say every 3 feet, and some say every section of track, but it's something on that order. What this does is allow the bus to do the "heavy lifting" of getting the power out the long trip, and then the smaller feeders can bring it up to the track.
I use rail joiners to connect my feeders. I simply solder a piece of wire, a foot or so in length, or whatever I need to reach the bus, to the bottom of the joiner. By the way, my two bus wires are red and black, and I use the same color wires for my feeders. It's much less confusing that way. If you prefer, you can solder the feeder wires directly to the rails. Personal preference, although soldering directly to the rails will definitely be more solid and reliable than the track joiners. You can buy rail joiners with wires already soldered to them for some outrageous price, but in the long run, a soldering iron is a much better investment.
Since you're talking about those track sections with power terminals, it's time for a bit of a reality check. They're fine for a short, single loop of sectional track, but once you're getting more serious, you should think about providing more reliable power to your track. By the way, since you're here, I guess you're getting more serious. Welcome aboard.
My structure lights, by the way, are powered by a Lionel transformer even older than yours. I suspect is was built in the Truman administration. Kind of neat to have something real that's even older than the era my models are supposed to represent.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
I've got a Lionel transformer that was made by ole Joshua Cowen himself! Heavy tracks can carry current with less resistance so the larger scales can have longer runs with less loss. On my 'L' shaped Plywood Atlantic layout, the control panel was in the inside corner and feeders connected to all six blocks and five sidings within four feet of the panel. Each block was wired for both rails even though I was using one as a common. Overkill in my own opinion, but I never had a power issue.
My current 3 rail O scale loop is fed from two points and until the boys wore out the loco, also never had any power issues. Just call me paranoid about wiring, or just persnickity. Now try to wire a layout for DC block control AND have wiring in place for DCC upgrade later on!
Thanks guys. I forgot to mention one important fact: The track is on the basement floor covering 2 rooms as my son, 6, likes to dismantle the layout of the month and redo another configuration. So, I'm not sure soldering or hardwiring would work, but I may try running a loose wire under the track from the transformer to the farthest end of the loop to see if power resumes. Otherwise, those brass contacts on the ends of the Powerlock track may need some adjusting as well.
Tripled--
If your track is being dismantled all the time (and 6 year olds really like to try new configurations, I can tell you from experience, LOL!) your Powerlock track will need adjusting quite a bit. HO sectional track can lose power very fast from being taken apart and re-done because of the connectors widening and losing electrical contact. I don't know exactly how the Powerlock track snaps together, but those brass contacts will probably need a bit of tightening with every new configuration.
Lionel track holds up very well from being taken apart and re-done, but a smaller scale like HO is a lot more tempermental as far as connections. Even permanently mounted HO flex-track connections can become loose over time just from the weight of the trains being run over them. Bus wires in this case are a fine cure, but since your track is being constantly re-figured, about all I can think of[ is make sure that you have plenty of well-spaced 'terminal' tracks to keep the voltage constant.
I think it's great that your 6-year old is train-crazy. More power to him.
Tom
Tom View my layout photos! http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/TWhite-014/Rio%20Grande%20Yuba%20River%20Sub One can NEVER have too many Articulateds!
TripleD123 I may try running a loose wire under the track from the transformer to the farthest end of the loop to see if power resumes.
That will help, may a few more as well. Oh to be 6 years old again, no problems but what is on TV and which way do I want the train to run this time!
Running a feeder about every 12 foot will help. While track is a part clean the contacts and make sure they still fit tight.
Cuda Ken
I hate Rust