How do you guys power your accessories?

Why not buy a used 1033 to power your accessories? It would be half the price.

It's always better to power all layout accessories separately from train power. Also, the vast majority of accessories operate better on DC. DC power packs are relatively inexpensive. I wrote an article on this subject in 2009 and would be happy to send you a copy, if you would like.

My layout contains quite a few accessories and animations many of which I power via terminal strips under my layout. I use the fixed voltage terminals on my two Z4000 MTH Transformers to power my terminal strips. I then wire my accessories to the terminal strips for continuos operation without affecting my trains.

I also have a DC transformer running one of my accessories and quite a few Mr. Christmas amusement park animations that run on their own AC power. Just plug into a multi-plug outlet. 

I use a 12 volt transformer for outdoor low voltage lighting that was on sale at Home Depot a few years ago with the sale info posted on this forum.

A few yrs ago I bought 2 Malibu landscaping lighting transformers rated 12v @ 300 amps at an end of season sale for $45.00 ea.  They're still in the box but I'll use them in my rebuild this winter.

The transformer you listed is a good choice for accessories with a power strip. I use to use a couple of them but now I just use 2 post war ZW for my lights and accessories.

I do not use the transformers at all I use a commercial AC power supply. They have more current capacity.

If the accessory requires variable voltage I use track power (many do like cattle car, barrel loader, saw mill, ice loader etc).  This is not an issue for train operation as the whole layout is blocked and any section can be cut off via a switch for that block the engine is on.  Secondly I like to run engines with 3 way e units so the engine can also be placed in neutral.

If the accessory requires a fixed voltage I have 12v for lights and 14 volts for switches that can be applied and controlled on/off via a switch on a control panel.

Charlie

             I use 2 ZWs to power all of 

my accessories. This way I can adjust the voltage that is just right plus also plenty of room leftvfor future hook ups.

                                   Bob K.~

Me thinks I should clarify my last post. I use the AC power supplies for some accessories. Not track power. You can fine tune them for just correct voltage.

I'd love a copy of the article if you have it available.

I am planning to use some terminal blocks and my variable 12-18 transformer for the accessories, but I will look into some of these other options, too.  Maybe I just did something wrong with the operating track section. 

This is just a little 4x8 layout for my son and I so I am not planning to block things out, etc.  He's 2 and likes to operate the accessories with Dad watching.  Simpler and less costly, the better.

I like the Malibu lighting and other ideas, thanks.

I use my dual power ac 270 watts from MRC. when I switched to the pure sine wave model, I kept the old dual for accessories.

I use 2 of the Lionel Accessory Transformer shown by the original poster, but I bought my years ago for less than $25 each. The small transformers is starter sets are also a good choice for accessory power.

Tony

Up on "The D & H Bridge Line"

I use a Multi-Voltage Signal Transformer from the Military that my grandfather acquired in the late 1960's. powers most of my AC Accessories including my coca Cola Bottle Tower and all my lighting for my buildings

2 Z-4000's to run trains, postwar KW (both variable controls and 14 volt fixed) for accessorys.

I use the Z-4000 for my 2 main lines and a KW for lights and the Trolley and Elevated line.

I use 2 Lionel Type Z transformers, a Type V and a Type R for all my accessories.

Another good option for accessories is the MW transformer.

The MW first appeared late in the MPC era in 1986, and it was the first new "modern era" transformer made by Lionel.  It has an on/off switch (a first for a Lionel power pack), and a more up to date circuit breaker.  You have 2 variable taps, one was designed for track power, the other for accessories.  I use both of mine for accessories.

The MW is NOT recommended for powering trains.  It does not function with modern sound systems, and at one point Lionel attached a sticker to the MW box warning not to use the MW with Railsounds engines. During the LTI the MW was replaced with the improved RS-1.

Ken

I DIVIDED MY LAYOUT INTO SECTIONS AND MOUNTED LEFTOVER HO , AND KLINE TRANSFORMERS UNDER THE EDGE OF THE LAYOUT AND CONNECTED SOME OF THE OPERATING ACCESSORIES TO THE AC TERMINALS AND THE LIGHTS TO THE VARIABLE VOLTAGE TERMINALS TO ACT AS DIMMERS. LESS LOAD ON ANY ONE TRANSFORMER THIS WAY AND NO DIMMING WHEN RUNNING A TRAIN OR OPERATING A SWITCH MACHINE.

I use a Z1000 and Z750 for high end modern trains it has an accessory port but I don't know if it takes away train power. Then a ZW for Post war trains and basic ones. And then some of those transformers Lionel put in starter sets in the nineties because the circuit breakers trip INSTANTLY and reapply power every four minutes.