I follow the forum daily, and add my 2 cents worth, once in awhile. I've seen many pictures showing or mentioning multiple transformers utilized, on layouts humbler than mine. Since I built my layout over 10 years ago it's only been powered by 1 MTH 4000 transformer. The layout is a 13' x 24' around the room layout (2 interconnected main lines with a folded loop) with an inner island reversing loop and small yard and a few sidings. I run DCS (1 TIU & no AIU), and Legacy. I have some signal issues here and there, due to earlier DCS misunderstandings never corrected, but overall it runs fine.
Lately I've been running 2 large passenger engines, a 4-6-4 & 2-8-4 with 6 lighted passenger cars each, on one level loop. The second loop 3% grade, I'm double heading 2 N&W Y6B's pulling a 30 car coal drag plus caboose with a Y6B pushing. Smoke units running, but not all the time on all trains.
So, here's the question, am I overtaxing the 1 MTH 4000 transformer, TIU, etc. running 5 or 6 engines with the corresponding trains in tow? Most of the time I'm just watching them run & this is probably the most I run at any given time for probably less than a hour.
Thanks,
Joe
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