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Hello, I am a newby to the hobby and forum after a 20 year hiatus from when I was a kid... 

 

I am working on a layout (2 sheets of plywood in L shape).  My question is if I want to power 8 street lights, 3 shanties and 4 switches do I need 3 separate transformers, such as the Lionel 36w 1.8 amp accessory transformer?  Would it be best to power the street lights from the switches for any reason?  I never had electric switches as a kid so don't know if they have to be separate.

 

Also, instead of just putting up a 4x8 sheet of plywood, I was thinking of having two 26" x 96" pieces cut and leave about a 1.5 space between them in the middle (to drop wires, plugs, etc).  This would make it 53.5" x 96" table so it would accommodate 048 on the outer ring.  Has anyone tried this and had pros and cons to share?

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I would use a 100 watt starter set type transformers. Use a 12 or 14 V accessory tap. Bulbs can be as much as 4 watts a piece,depending on the bulb and voltage. The 36 W might work if you cut the voltage down and light the shantys with LEDs.

 

Not sure what the "switches"  are. If you mean turnouts it is best to use a separate tap.

 

If you have the room bigger is always better,the wider the curves the better,whatever space you allow. You can do a lot more on a 5X9 layout than a 4X8. Search the forum,there are many posts on bench work and methods. As far as wiring,I drill holes,and put the wire through,then wire underneath. I am wiring now. I am doing a large layout,there are a few pics on my wiring methods here

 

LINK

 

Glad to see you back in the hobby and welcome to the Forum.

 

Dale H

I agree with Dale. If you have the space, use a couple more sheets of plywood and make it 5' wide. Cut a sheet on it's length to 5' long x 4' wide. Then put the 4' sides together. Try to keep the switches in the center or near the front.

 

That would let build an 048 outer and 036 inner loop with switches for crossovers and siding and perhaps a reversing loop.

 

yep, keep your wiring underneath. Put holes in the framing and pull the track and accessory bus(s) before putting the deck on. Same as the channel on the top, less work and wood waste.

 

You have the small handles of the ZW that can drive your accessories. B & C channels.

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