Track versus External Power for Fastrack Turnouts under TMCC

[DavidEvanston]

I am currently building a 12' by 12' layout using Fastrack and Fastrack remote turnouts. I am strongly considering adopting TrainMaster Command Control (but haven't done so yet)

I have two questions, both related to TMCC:

Question 1:

Currently, my turnouts receive power from the track. Even if I adopt, TMCC, I would like to continue to through the switches uses the manual controllers (to sort of simulate the feel of operating switches from a tower).

 My question is this: If I adopt TMCC, can I continue to have the turnouts receive power from the track, or must I power them from an external source (e.g., a separate transformer). The Owners Manual for Trainmaster (p. 34) seems to unequivocally state that the turnouts must be powered externally. But what if I backed-off maximum track power in using TMCC (which I would plan to do anyway since I would like a little finer speed control at low speeds). More generally, what are the tradeoffs between track versus external power for turnouts in TMCC mode?  

BTW: I plan to use a new ZW transformer with two 180W PowerHouses as my power supply for track power.

Question 2:

For a 12 by 12 layout, how many power blocks would normally be recommended for operation in TMCC?  In normal operations, my hope would be to operate up to 3 to 4 locomotives at one time. Certainly not more than this. I doubt I will have a substantial number of other operating accesories besides the turnouts.

Thank you ... as I say I am a relative newcomer, so I hope my questons make sense.

 

 

 

 

[Buckeye Riveter]

Welcome to the forum. 

I run a very similar set up.  I use two bricks, too.

Your second question first.  If  you are planning on conventional equipment to be parked on a track at the same time you are running TMCC equipped equipment, you just need to use a single pole switch to turn that section of track to off where the conventional equipment is parked.   Since you asked this question,  I am going to assume you have not seen or ran a TMCC layout.  If you live near Central Ohio, we can give you a demo. 

Now on the first question, my switches use track power.  The disadvantage is that when I want to run conventional, I sometimes do not have enough power to flip the switch.  I run the conventionals so infrequently, that it does not bother me. 

BTW, power requirements are not really based upon the square feet of layout, but the linear feet of track.  I am currently running approx. 200 feet of track with those two bricks and I have more than enough power.  My accessories run off a separate transformer.

[Wes Whitmore]

I know very little about TMCC, but I do know that just because you have command control doesn't mean you can't have manual throw switches for your turnouts...use both.  I would always use aux power to power the turnouts, even in conventional, if you can.  It allows you to cut track voltage low enough to have the loco roll as reall slow speeds and still give you snappy switchovers for your turnouts.  You can do this with almost any transformer, since most have a fixed voltage out as well.  The ZW will do it well.  You can connect the switches directly to the transformer's fixed voltage, or through a fixed voltage out of TMCC.  I would go to the transformer so they are always powered, regardless of what TMCC is doing. 

I think your number of blocks depends on track layout, not size of the track.  Just chop up blocks as needed.  If you have a track plan, someone on here can give sugggestions of how they would block it.

Good luck!
Wes

[ChiefEagles]

Wes is right [so is Buckeye but do not want to admit it on the forum ].  Use aux. power for switches.  You can set the voltage to make them snap even when running conventional.  This is especially true if you have two switches "back to back" and are wired to throw at the same time.  Enjoy.

[Buckeye Riveter]

In addition, I have my switches set up to be changed through Lionel's SC-2 and from the conventional levers.

[Ole Timer]

I myself like having an extra small power source for lights .. accesories ... and etc.  In the past I would have my outfit turned on without engines running to just show it to people or fool around setting up or wiring items . I don't like the idea of running my major transformer/power supply to do that .  I even had the aux. power for a test track strip and ya never know when you buy used if that darn item you received is shorted or bad until it's been tested for awhile under power ... sometimes they don't get hot or blow for awhile ... and you won't blow a fuse or mini breaker on your main line . I fuse her good and feel alot more secure .

[DavidEvanston]

Thanks to all for your replies and for welcoming me to the forum.

Your suggestions have helped definitely helped to clarify the issues for me. 

Buckeye, I don't live in Central Ohio (I'm in Chicago area), but thank you for the offer of the demo. I will be running approximately 180 linear feet of track, which sounds very comparable to your setup.

Thanks again!

 

 

[dwiemer]

David, my set up is somewhat similar too.  I have all the distant turnouts powered by aux power from a seperate source.  The close by ones at the yard directly in front of me are well within arms reach, so the Fastrack remote turnouts are easily thrown either by hand, or remote.  Fastrack turnouts will throw with minimal power, so for those who have already built part without doing power drops, you should still be OK.  I think that the only issue you may have regarding running with full track power and TMCC and powering the Fastrack turnouts with track power would be that the LEDs will burn out faster.

Dennis