I am planning a layout that has 3, possibly 4 loops, and a small switching yard. At any given time I will be running only about 4-5 locos. I plan on using DCS to control them along with a Lionel Trainmaster Control Base so I can run my TMCC locos. I have two questions:
1. Can I use a modern ZW to power my layout even though it has seperate power supplies and control unit (MTH says not to do this)?
2. I know that I can use a MRC Dual Power but is 270 watts enough to power my layout?
I know that I'll get recommendations to use the Z4000 but I don't really care for it and don't want to go that route. I'm relatively new to this hobby so please bear with me. Any help is great appreciated!
God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of the NRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified
ThirdRailer,
In the long run I think you would come up better using a post war ZW with circuit breakers from Scott Odds & Ends placed right after the ZW for circuit protection(this may be the reason that MTH don't want the ZW, no proper circuit protection).
MRC has some compatibilty issues with modern electronics according to a few of the guys on here, so use a Lionel or MTH transformer. Even a post war KW with new circuit breakers installed on the output side would do better than any MRC transformer
Lee F.
I have 2 large main line loops, a 5 track engine yard, a reversing loop figure 8, a 12 siding, and 4 siding industrial area. I am running conventional, TMCC, DCS and Legacy. I have one new ZW with 2 power bricks, and the DCS AIU and 2 TIU's. The two main lines are powered by chanel A and D, this is done if I want to use the throttle handles. The engine yard is on Chanel B, and the siding, industrial area, and Figure 8 is on Channel C. I do have independent toggle switches at various locations so I can "shut off" different engines. I recommend Scotts Ckt Breakers, although I made my own. BTW the NEW ZW DOES have ckt breaker protection built in. But I wanted to be extra safe. With my setup I do have the TMCC Comand Ctr and have EITHER that or the Legacy connected. I run my accessories, layout lights, and Ross switches using the OLD ZW. (Also have home made ckt bkr box connected to it).
Should not be a problem with what you want to do.
Don
ChiefEagles wrote:Don't know why not. LAZ has modern ZW and TMCC, Legacy and DCS. I have Post War ZW's powering three separate blocks and running through a TIU with TMCC and Legacy. Got quick acting breakers between the TIU and ZW's. Runs great.
Yes I have the modern ZW and have it hooked up with TMCC and Legacy. I also bought 2 more bricks and hooked them up to the DCS. This way if I wanted to still run my MTH I just turn them on. Everything is wired to the same tracks. I have had some horn opperating problems with hooking up the MTH directly into the ZW thats when I decided to hook up bricks directly to the TIU, No problems since.
Hope this helps?
laz57
phillyreading wrote: ThirdRailer,In the long run I think you would come up better using a post war ZW with circuit breakers from Scott Odds & Ends placed right after the ZW for circuit protection(this may be the reason that MTH don't want the ZW, no proper circuit protection).MRC has some compatibilty issues with modern electronics according to a few of the guys on here, so use a Lionel or MTH transformer. Even a post war KW with new circuit breakers installed on the output side would do better than any MRC transformer Lee F.
Modern ZW has circut breakers built into the bricks.
Laz 57,
That is where the MTH Z750 & Z1000 have their circuit breakers, built into the power bricks.
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