Designing new El layout

Yes, just be aware you could set up an Addams Family type event!

LOL. I would need a detonator and some dynamite as well

Well, if you really want to go all in, LOL!

@Darrell posted:

Yes, just be aware you could set up an Addams Family type event!

Not unlike the real thing.

https://www.jimpearsonphotogra...ation-Chicago-IL.jpg

You could move the intersection of the inside to middle loops to the other side of the layout to break things up.

@tlcottone posted:

... the system will be powered using the MTH DCS system. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.

DCS is neither a means for powering a layout, nor a portion of a layout.  It is however one of several means for controlling trains on the layout.

Power would need to come from some source, and because you have three loops you have several choices for powering them:

1. If you're only running one train at a time -- You can go with a single power source feeding all three loops simultaneously.
2. If you're running one or two at once -- You can use one source feeding all three (depending how much current they each draw), or two sources, perhaps one feeding two of the three and the other the remaining one, with the electrical transition (break) between the two being at a crossover.
3. If you're running three at a time, one per loop -- Use three power sources, one per loop, with the electrical transition (break) between each loop being at its crossover with the next adjacent loop.

Power sources can be any of the following, as long as they're sized appropriately to the load (how much current the train draws, or trains draw, when connected to the respective source):

• Lionel PH180 -- Top of the line; nice size (180 Watts); good protection against overcurrent and overvoltage; has no throttle (constant voltage)
• Lionel PH135 -- Good size (135 Watts); needs a little help with protection (a Direct Lock-On for instance); has no throttle
• MTH Z1000 Power Brick -- Adequate size for most trains (100 Watts); also needs a little help with protection; comes with a throttle but you generally won't use it, or you'll use it and leave the throttle turned all the way up, if you're using DCS for control
• Lionel ZW with its throttle set all the way up --  Very old technology; plenty of power, but needs substantial help with protection; built-in throttle

                ... or others

What are you thinking along these lines?

Mike

Then that 8 foot dimension, you will have a place in the center that you cannot get into, unless you plan on cutting open the center and crawling underneath.

@Mellow Hudson Mike posted:

DCS is neither a means for powering a layout, nor a portion of a layout.  It is however one of several means for controlling trains on the layout.

Power would need to come from some source, and because you have three loops you have several choices for powering them:

1. If you're only running one train at a time -- You can go with a single power source feeding all three loops simultaneously.
2. If you're running one or two at once -- You can use one source feeding all three (depending how much current they each draw), or two sources, perhaps one feeding two of the three and the other the remaining one, with the electrical transition (break) between the two being at a crossover.
3. If you're running three at a time, one per loop -- Use three power sources, one per loop, with the electrical transition (break) between each loop being at its crossover with the next adjacent loop.

Power sources can be any of the following, as long as they're sized appropriately to the load (how much current the train draws, or trains draw, when connected to the respective source):

• Lionel PH180 -- Top of the line; nice size (180 Watts); good protection against overcurrent and overvoltage; has no throttle (constant voltage)
• Lionel PH135 -- Good size (135 Watts); needs a little help with protection (a Direct Lock-On for instance); has no throttle
• MTH Z1000 Power Brick -- Adequate size for most trains (100 Watts); also needs a little help with protection; comes with a throttle but you generally won't use it, or you'll use it and leave the throttle turned all the way up, if you're using DCS for control
• Lionel ZW with its throttle set all the way up --  Very old technology; plenty of power, but needs substantial help with protection; built-in throttle

                ... or others

What are you thinking along these lines?

Mike

The plan is to run 3 trains. I currently have a Z1000 brick. The total plan will also have a lower level with 2 freight loops. So a total of 5 engines run at once. Would going to a Z4000 be a better option?

If you already have a z1000 brick that's a start.  Either a similar brick per loop or a larger transformer for the rest, your pick, vintage zw, z4000, zw-l.  The mrc dual power would be an option but MTH and MRC don't play well in the same sandbox.

Looking forward to seeing pictures of your progress!

Peter

@necrails posted:

If you already have a z1000 brick that's a start.  Either a similar brick per loop or a larger transformer for the rest, your pick, vintage zw, z4000, zw-l.  The mrc dual power would be an option but MTH and MRC don't play well in the same sandbox.

Would a Z4000 handle 5 loops?

@ChiTown Steve posted:

You could move the intersection of the inside to middle loops to the other side of the layout to break things up.

That is one suggestion I also would offer.

As for layout power, my guess is that one MTH Z1000 brick would handle the current design. A Z4000 would likely provide more than enough juice for that 5-loop plan you mentioned in the above post. Just make sure you keep us posted as you finalize your plans and begin construction. Also keep the magazine in mind for a full feature article.

Moving the intersection not an option. The opposite side is dedicated to the El Station which requires 60" to accommodate 4 car subway trains

This will be the main level which will have 2 freight lines running simultaneously. Initially I will be running a total of 4 lines at a time with the possibility of having a 5th line a dedicated express line. A total of 3 stations. On the upper level will be a local station and an express station. The lower level will have a freight station. The large area in the middle will be for buildings and town scenery.

Yes its very possible to run the cw and ccw you just have to be careful thats all