Is (1) Z-4000 enough power to run my layout?

Others with more technical knowledge will certainly chime in here but the Z4000 has a lot of reserve power. You have plenty of room to grow.

We have three loops with a couple of passing sidings and tonight had 4 long (15-16) scale cars running at the same time with no hesitation at all. From time to time a passenger train will join them too. You can read the amps used on the transformer while its running if you are concerned.

You are in good territory, keep an eye on the transformer numbers when running trains.

I would have one eventually for the 3 x 40 layout and also run a DCS system. My rationale is to wire one side of the Z4000 to run any visiting TIU Var 1 conventional/PS1 engines and use the other side throttle to TIU Fixed for DCS.

But not both at the same time. Round House tracks and related power would be shut down when not in use. (It also reduces the noise.)

I don't know how you fellas run so many trains at once, It is enough for me to drag 40  trouble some freight cars while leaning out of the "Cab" to detect derailments.

I see no need for a second transformer in your future. 

I wouldn't count the switches, since they usually only run one or two at a time, and then only instantaneously.  It's not unusual for me to have 6 locos running at once on my Z4000, as well as powering the switches.

If you overload the Z4000, the breakers will open.  That would be about 10 amps on either handle, total of 20 for trains.

i am always amused when i see some small layout in magazines with so much scenery you cannot hardely see trains in the photos. their control panels have 3 or4 zw's or 4000;s or a half  dozen other transformers.i wonder ,what for?

  i run a 28x50 ' layout w/4track main with 1 z-4000 and rarely exceed the amperage limit. run up to 4 mth proto2 diesels -sometimes 5-6 at the same time.

you should be fine  with 1 z4000-jim

My last 9x12 layout was divided into 4 Power districts.

I had layers of separate power circuts. The switches for example had their own network, separate from all others related to track power, signalling and bus wires.

And so on into each district and then short protection and spare booster was online as well.

Tend to accumulate power sources over time, in some cases like mine... years in the hobby and a growing understanding on how best to harness power safely to run trains.

When I had issues with power, it was as a child when a power pack was replaced. The "New" pack did not have sufficient power for even one engine 6 feet away and caused a halt in Hobby stuff. I may have gone overboard in my later years but the trains have performed well when called upon to do.

My current 40 x 5 layout is going to already have as many as 6 GFIC protected lines along it's entire length. I may or may not need a Z4000 if I wire this one right. (Z4000 is a big expense.. right up there with engines.)

I think you will be just fine.

My layout is about 400 feet of tubular track with multiple power districts and 3 levels.

I now run it all with one Z-4000, and one TIU using all 4 channels.

Signal is good everywhere even though it was wired old school block and buss, well before DCS came along.

Most of my sidings and roundhouse tracks are toggled off except when needed.

I rarely run more than 2 or 3 trains at a time. Power is not an issue.

I also run several TMCC engines using either the cab 1 or DCS.

Have fun,

Rod

With what you described in your list, you are in very good shape with one Z4000.  Truth is, you could expand the layout by a considerable amount and still be in good shape.

Thanks guys for all the helpful information! I've really been learning a lot here and am thankful to have found this forum. I switched from the $75 HO train sets i used to get as a kid to O gauge with DCS so there is a bit of a learning curve but I sure am having a blast. Thanks again - Mike

One of the keys is that the can motors of modern engines draw so much less power than the open frame AC motors many of us grew up with.

Another key is when you compare transformers, you have to remember: PostWar transformers had wattage ratings that were not done under load.....so only about 2/3 of there rated power was available. In contrast, the Z4000 and other modern transformers are rated under load......in other words, you should be fine.

Peter