Will an accessory like the Sir Topham Hat gateman work with the Lion Chief Thomas set? I have accessory activation tracks but wonder about the 18 or so volts to the track to run the train.
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Most accessories recommend 12-14 volts for operation.
12-14 Volts, for best operation.
They have to design those accessories to run off 18 Volts, because you just know that kids are gonna "floor it" when they get their hands on the lever.
IMHO you won't hurt the accessories running them on 18 Volts, but they may operate too quickly/violently.
Perhaps the "chain of diodes" trick will work to reduce voltage?
The only concern I have is that the wall wart that comes with the Thomas set is designed to run Thomas on a 40x60 oval of track. It likely doesn't have much capacity beyond that to run accessories.
I got the Thomas set for my grandson and he likes it a lot with the track that came with it. Are you saying that it can't be expanded to an approximate 4x12 foot layout?
On second thought, taking what Matt has said into consideration, I wonder if the power pack that the set comes with even puts out 18v to the track. I suppose it would warrant testing for the actual output.
I know I've run scale TMCC/legacy equipment as low as 14v and it runs just fine.
Thomas is designed to "handle "18v so he can run on dads layout, but I'd be willing to be the power pack that comes with the set may not put out a full 18v at the track.
I'd power it up and start the train and see what your actually getting for voltage.
Originally Posted by POTRZBE:
I got the Thomas set for my grandson and he likes it a lot with the track that came with it. Are you saying that it can't be expanded to an approximate 4x12 foot layout?
A large layout like that will require more power feeders, especially at the far end of the track. If the thomas transformer has no provisions for additional wiring you'll likely have to upgrade to something larger like a cw 80.
I'm not the most electrically savvy guy, so I am thinking if I put a transformer to the track and put approximately 18 volts on the track, I can use the Lion Chief like a Cab 1-L, no?
Yes,remember the Lionchief loco only works with its Lionchief remote and it will operate on any layout powered with command voltage.
As I stated previously, I think Thomas would run just fine a few volts lower if you chose to.
Yes, I believe that is so. As I used my CW-80 to test the 2 Lion Chief Sets I got for the Grandkids for Christmas.
That way you could set the CW-80 Accessory Voltage to the Lower Voltage. But since there is no Conventional Switch on the Lion Chief Sets (just the Lion Chief Plus), you need to crank the Handle up and then use the remote.
