Need some advice on xformers please.

For buildings and lighting, I would recommend a computer power supply. Most are 300 or more watts of DC power for a decent price. Used ones are in the $20 range on down to free. You have 12vdc for longer lasting incandescent lamps, a 5vdc tap that , with a diode, will power buildings and Miller signs that require a 4.5vdc power supply. The 12vdc also works for the led strips for building lights.

#2.   a Lionel 6-81603 LionChief for my TIU aux power input.

I don't think that this will work. The LionChief wall pack output is DC. I believe the TIU requires an AC input for Auxiliary power. A Z500 brick works fine for this. I think you can find those on the used market as they come with starter sets.

See attached from page 99 of the TIU manual.

#3 & #4 - the Z-1000 brick has fixed AC voltage at 14Volts. These will work nicely for Accessory and switch motor power. They are rated at 5.5 amps, so will light quite a few buildings and lamps with incandescent bulbs.

I like used HO transformers for fixed DC circuits. Many use wall packs. I am not comfortable with using them.

Good to hear you are moving on with the build, Tommy. Long time, no hear.

I believe tiu can run from dc or ac. many techs use dc when using MTH loader with ps 3 engines files transfer with less issues then A C !

John H posted:

For buildings and lighting, I would recommend a computer power supply. Most are 300 or more watts of DC power for a decent price. Used ones are in the $20 range on down to free. You have 12vdc for longer lasting incandescent lamps, a 5vdc tap that , with a diode, will power buildings and Miller signs that require a 4.5vdc power supply. The 12vdc also works for the led strips for building lights.

John,

  Do you use the negative voltage outputs from the power supply for anything, or is the positive voltage only usable? 

-Eric

I just use the positive voltage. The 5vdc also works well for the 5vdc relays I used in setting up my own infrared track activation device for a signal. The power supplies also have lightning fast breakers.