Skip to main content

13 replies

Lionel Legacy Control

J JBDBOGR Forum Member

Hey Guys,

 

Bear with me here I am wanting to jump into legacy control.

 

So I currently have 2 loops connected with 4 remote switch (2 left/2right) to allow movement between the two loops. 

 

I am currently using 1 180w lionel brick that is powering the 2 loops and switches with no issues.

 

I am running 2 lionchief plus diesels.

 

No issues. 

 

So here it goes,

 

I am going to add 2 upper loops (not tied together) BUT powered together w another 180w brick. 

 

BUT, I want to add legacy control now for all 4 loops.

 

I.E 2 loops on the table tied together with the switches I want to have some legacy engines down there.

2 separate upper loops with legacy loco on each of these loops. 

 

So here is the question. 

 

Legacy base station only cares that there is 18v at the track and the base station is wired to ground (outer rail)  Correct?

 

So the loops on the table this is no problem, connect the base station to one of the outside rails and we are running legacy trains (and my lion chief plus).

 

Is there a way to connnect the base station to each of the 2 upper loops?  I assume same principle I will have 18v of track power to each loop.  But how do I get the "signal" or ground from the base station to each of the upper loops?

 

Is it as simple as grounding  the 2 loops from the table track to each of the upper loops? So outside rail ground wire from table track to each outside rail of upper loop via a jumper wire? 

 

Or does the base station station have separate "outs" I guess to power in my case Track 1, 2 and 3?

 

Keep in mind I will not be running anything in conventional so the plan is 2 180w brick wired directly to the track(s). 

 

Hopefully this explains my question, thanks for the advice and if there is a better way to do this please chime in. 

 

Thanks,

JB

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

RickORickOOGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by JBDB:

 

Is it as simple as grounding  the 2 loops from the table track to each of the upper loops? So outside rail ground wire from table track to each outside rail of upper loop via a jumper wire? 

 

Yes, as long as your commons are "tied" and the legacy wire is connected to the common anywhere you choose it should work fine.

 

 There is a bit of a risk for a "ground plane issue" ( signal issue) when having multiple elevated loops. Hook everything up and test it and if your locos run fine then your good.

 

If they stop ,and the headlight blinks its likely the ground plane problem. You can post back here of search " ground plane issue for tips.

 

Theres no guarantee you will have signal problems, its basically a "case by case" basis.

 

 

Mike Reagan did a very informative video explaining the ground plane issue, and how to address it:      ( again, you may not even have a problem)

 

Last edited by RickO
RickORickOOGR Forum Member

MTH has a "preferred" wiring style, "star/ homerun wiring". It also "prefers" that blocks are used and blocks should be of equal lengths of track.

 

If your loops are small enough, it may just mean a seperate pair of wires from each loop to the TIU. 

 

MTH communicates with the loco directly through the hot wire, the "preferred" wiring  helps to get the best signal/ communication to the loco.

 

You may want to inquire on the DCS forum for more info as to how this applies to your layout. Otherwise you can get "Barrys book".

 

FYI with Lionel, one side of the signal is radiated through the ground rail of the layout. The other side is "broadcast" from the ground wiring in the walls of the room the layout is in., via the command base ground lug. The difference between the two signals is picked up by the loco antenna and issues the command.This is why some power strips can foul the legacy signal.

 

 

I believe most folks that like both, use both systems. I believe you wire your layout for DCS and then just connect the legacy command base to the common.

Last edited by RickO

Add Reply

Views: 563
Post

Membership Required

We're sorry. You must be signed in to continue. Sign In or Register
×
Are you sure you want to remove from your Block List?
×
Loading...
×
When you block a person, they can no longer invite you to a private message or post to your profile wall. Replies and comments they make will be collapsed/hidden by default. Finally, you'll never receive email notifications about content they create or likes they designate for your content.
Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following .
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×

Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership

OGR Forum Supporting Membership

Help support this forum with an OGR Forum Supporting Membership.
You will be able to watch the videos in the INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO FORUM!
A one-year OGR Forum Supporting Membership is only $12 per year, so sign up now!


    OR     


Access the ALL the OGR VIDEO FORUMS AND  over 300 back issues of OGR
with a DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION!



$12.00 per 12 Months (plus tax if applicable)
×