I currently have two wide display shelves holding 3 sets of trains each on gargraves track. The shelves are one on top of the other. If I'm attempting to provide power to the track so I can make use of the trains lights/sounds (and hopefully not run them off the shelf!), what are some ideas to go about this the best way? These are all TMCC trains, and I don't have a transformer at the moment. Thanks in advance!
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Good question Matt. Do you have a picture of the trains on your shelf? Trying to visualize the three per shelf you reference.
You don't need much power just for the lights and sounds. You do want "dead" track on either side of the power units so if (when) they mistakenly take off they won't fly off the shelf.
Paul
I would start by planning for a separate on-off switch for each shelf. A ground common to all three, and one hot wire from each to the switch, with switches powered by your source. If tmcc or legacy you will need that equipment.
Thanks very much for the responses so far. Here is a picture to help better understand what I'm going for. The top shelf will look similar. I suppose the first thing I need to do is add a gargraves terminal section which I don't have yet.
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I understand your wanting to draw attention to the features but nothing good will come from this, Mr. Murphy will pay a visit at the worst possible time..
You may want to consider a roller base for the engines as they will allow you to run the engine without it going anywhere.
NECRAIS is correct, Murphy has a way of making himself know at the most inopportune times.
Thanks for the idea of a roller base. So since I'm mainly a display guy and have never built a layout outside starter sets, would getting the lights/sounds to work in conventional mode be as simple as getting a transformer, hooking it up to a gargraves terminal track and powering it? What would be the easiest way to source power to the other two trains on the shelf? Thank you guys again for the responses, very much appreciated!!
If your intent is to display only and you still want the lights/sounds in the motor units to operate, I'd be inclined to simply disconnect the motors or pull the brushes to maintain power to the motive units but disable their capability to move. From what I can see in your picture, it looks simple enough to use terminal tracks that can either be daisy-chained from the transformer or selected individually with a rotary or multiple position push button switch. Good luck.