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Reply to "Power Recommendations"

You've got a good start for your layout power. Here's what I would recommend with what you already have, plus some extra things.

1.) Track power: Use the 180W PH Bricks. They have plenty of power for multiple Legacy locos. You will need one brick/lock-on for each loop of track. You can use the MTH Terminal Block for either track or accessory power hook-ups. You could also forgo the Terminal Block and just use bus wiring. Basically, all you have to do is run a pair of wires under each loop of track and have power feeds to the track from the buses every 4-6 feet.

2.) Accessory/switch power: Keep your two CW80s for accessory/switch power. With 10-12 volts for accessories/switches, the CW80s will be more than adequate. I assume you have remote or command-controlled switches, right? Again, use bus wires to distribute power to each accessory/switch. It will make your life easier.

3.) Make sure your transformers are in phase. Lionel made a video a few years ago that explains how to do that. It's really not that hard.

4.) I assume you already have a Legacy Command Set or Cab-1L/Base-1L to run all your trains, right? Read the instructions. Using the system is not really hard, and it is really fun. I use Legacy, and I love it.

5.) Soldering is a good idea, but the female connectors work too. I use them on my current layout.

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