i have had this controler since i was little. just wondering if it is strong enough for a **** tree layout. i have two septa beeps and 2 lighted subway cars to pull behind. only other thing id like to add is a button that operates a whistle.
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or do u have any suggestions for a basic set up. i have not had trains running since i was little. so im kinda lost.
No, that is a very small DC "power pack" meant to be used for HO trains.
It will sound whistles or horns continuously in one "direction" and bells in the other "direction", however.
If you have one of these:
which is the AC version, that should actually work quite well.
According to your photo the red wires are connected to "Variable DC". DC is used for HO, N, and G scale trains. For 3-rail you need an AC output transformer.
www.toysperiod.com/mrc-tech-2-railpower-1400-model-train-control-power-pack-ho-p-981.html
what is reasonable transformer for a basic christmas tree layout?
so i need a ac one.
I've been using the Lionel CW-80's with no issues so far. Some people have had issues with theirs however. I will be powering a 2 loop 8x16 layout with two of the CW-80's this year. Worked fine last year as well.
I wouldn't go for anything less than an 80 Watt transformer, especially with the lighted cars. MTH makes a few with a slightly higher wattage as well.
Pick up an MTH Z1000. They are worth the money and on a small layout they provide more then enough power.
As for your track plan keep it as a simple loop, or two loops no more. You wont to have fun runnig your trains, not going crazy trying to wire them up.
A few buildings would be cool and a mirror trimed with snow and some ice skaters for effect adds alot of interest.
If you have the money buy a Lionel, or MTH back and forth trolly to add a little more action to center of the layout.
Stay at a 4 by 8 foot display or smaller for your first time out. Like I said above you wont to have some fun running trains.
Good luck and remember have fun.
Pick up an MTH Z1000. They are worth the money and on a small layout they provide more then enough power.
As for your track plan keep it as a simple loop, or two loops no more. You wont to have fun runnig your trains, not going crazy trying to wire them up.
A few buildings would be cool and a mirror trimed with snow and some ice skaters for effect adds alot of interest.
If you have the money buy a Lionel, or MTH back and forth trolly to add a little more action to center of the layout.
Stay at a 4 by 8 foot display or smaller for your first time out. Like I said above you wont to have some fun running trains.
Good luck and remember have fun.
thank you. someone just told me about the mth z1000. I take it i can use that with the silver 3 rail track? i found i have boxes of it, in my parents attic. some brand new in the box. i was just going to buy that new quick track. but since i have so much of this. maybe just use it.
Funny I just emailed him with that suggestion Mario. 
Tinplate track is fine to get started with. Lots of people use it. Scotchbrite pads generallywill clean them up well if they are oxidized / dirty.
Tinplate track is fine to get started with. Lots of people use it. Scotchbrite pads generallywill clean them up well if they are oxidized / dirty.
i have boxes of it. i have all kinds of switchs and other track in boxes yet. i might just use it this year. since it is only under a christmas tree.
Don't forget to get a lockon if you don't have one.
Like others say, this unit outputs DC. Some Lionel locos will run on that: remote Thomas does (he loves DC at around 16 volts actually), and I think some of the clown cars and a few other more "toy" like units.
I have exactly this unit except mine has the optional "momentum feature" that electronically raises or lowers the voltage slowly even if you advance the throttle quickly. Mine produces chopped DC at around 16 volts. Not sure of the power output limit in watts, but I use it to run Superstreets (SS vehicles run fine on Ac or DC, but if, like me, you remove the rectifier, then they run only on DC but they now will back up if you reverse poliarity (with the direction switch in the lower right of the unit).
It provides plenty of power for five or six Superstreets vehicles at once. As to powering a normal three-rail loco, it can power remote Thomas (I've tried) no problem, but it will not run most larger three-rail locos.
I checked - you are in PA apparently. I'm in central NC. If you were nearby I'd just give you one of my spare CW80s - I seem to have ccumulated several more than I need. You can find used CW80s nearly anywhere, offered at very very low prices. Certainly good enough for an under tree arrangement. Still, test the used one you buy before paying your money
I checked - you are in PA apparently. I'm in central NC. If you were nearby I'd just give you one of my spare CW80s - I seem to have ccumulated several more than I need. You can find used CW80s nearly anywhere, offered at very very low prices. Certainly good enough for an under tree arrangement. Still, test the used one you buy before paying your money
Great Gesture.
I would offer that if you wanted an economicall transformer, that a MTH Z-750 (75 watt)would also be an alternative to the Lionel CW80 (80 watt), and should do the job. For a period of time, maybe 6 - 8 years ago, MTH also offered the Z-750 with a remote instead of the block with the lever. Lots of good new and used transformers out there that can be had for about $50.
Jim
If it were me, I would put something under the track if you are going to use tubular on carpeting. Either a small sheet of plywood or foam, or an area rug or even some of that "snow" blanketing. Sometimes some of that oil or grease on the wheels or gears will run off as the train is running.
The suggestions on the transformers are good ones in my opinion.
CheckCheck out Walt rapps post on weekend photo fun https://ogrforum.com/d...nt/10722205498996931 his yearly under the tree layouts are amazing. As nice as Lee's offer is and No offense to Lionel but, Stay away from the cw-80. Nothing but trouble. Do a search on here unfortunately all you will see are problems.
Even if you were to use the 18 volt AC terminals provided as accessory terminal (right two terminals of four) of this transformer you have to consider the VA rating. That is Volts X Amps, or a short cut to Watts.
Example: A command locomotive operating 18 volts would be able to draw maximum 13VA (Transformer Terminal ratings) divided by 18 volts or .722amps. IMO, it might work but would probably be somewhat limited. My thought would be that 50VA would be a good start point for one command locomotive (75VA would be better). I could be wrong and often am. Mike CT
You need at least 35 Volt-Amps to be comfortably over max needs running even one small train, particularly if it has a few lights, so 18 is far too few. I've never had any problems with A CW-80, and you can find them cheap, but any of the other recommendations are also not expensive. Get just a good basic MTH or something similar if not a worked CW-80. They will be more than adequate.
i bought the mth z1000 and i also bought the rail box sound car used. the rail box doesnt really fit my septa/philly look. i might repaint it and put septa decals on it. i still have to install septa logos on my subway cars. i set up a small test track just to run for a few mins.
Very cool I'm glad it worked out. Did you have the lock on?
Very cool I'm glad it worked out. Did you have the lock on?
yes. but i bought a new one with a light lol
thanks for all you help. i still might have to buy new track. seems to have a lot of weak spots.
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