Use a booster or add on an other transformer

[Anonymous]

I have a layout that measures 9x15. I am using only one transformer to operate my train. However, I have to bring the speed up to 40 mph or more to get the train to move. I can't operate it at slower speeds. Should I purchase a booster or can I connect 2 transformers in parallel to get more power to the track? I already have several transformers on hand that I could use.

[dave9999]

What brand of power pack are you using? if it is one of the "trainset" type, that could be the problem.
Before switching to Dcc, I use a MRC Tech 4 260. It actually had more kick than my Digitrax Zepyr Dcc.
These are fairly cheap when you consider the power compared to the "trainset" transformers. If you
connect two trasformers you are still only going to get the highest voltage of the two.In other words
you wont "double" your power. Dave

[Anonymous]

I had a similar problem with one of the Life Like Train set power packs. I just bought an Athearn DC Power pack that puts out up to 7 amps and now things run much better. Even my cheap Life Like Diesels can crawl at only 20 on the speed dial as opposed to nearly half throttle to get them moving on the old one.

My Athearn's still take a bit more juice to run them but they also have much more throttle now to play with as well. I actually know how fast they can really go now. I thought they were slower than my Life Like's before this new power supply, Boy was I wrong , they will chase down and pu***he Life Like's now when before it was the other way around.

The problem with using multiple power packs together is you always do one of two things, You either add the curretn (Amps) or you add the voltage of the two power supplies. If you do it wrong in your wiring of these you could very well destroy the wiring or motor in the locomotive on the track if you turn up the throttle too high. It might be possible to set up power districts on your layout by isolating the two power sources using insulated rail joiners where the two secions meet so that you don't have too much power going to the track.

[Anonymous]

Check the solder joints in your layout's wiring - "dry joints" can cause power losses.

[nfmisso]

Do you have a bus running under the tracks with feeders after few feet to the rails?