I've run into an issue with our club layout. Let me preface this by saying my home layout is run by a single Z4K and I'm new to the "brick" game.
The club decided to ditch the old transformers they were using and rewire the layout for block operation. That part is done, and we now have 4 blocks run by 4 independent power districts.
Each main loop is controlled by a Lionel 180w brick and a Legacy Powermaster @18v. All these loops work flawlessly.
The Yard is controlled by a postwar ZW. This area does NOT work so well. See my illustration.
Problem 1: I am having a hard time finding exactly 18v on the ZW to mach the outer loop district.
Problem 2: We run long passenger trains and the system wants to short out and make buzzing noises at the isolated boundary when you are pulling a train out of the yard to the outer loop.
Is this because of the ZW? Many of the passenger cars are not roller isolated, so they are bridging power districts as they creep out. Our Old TMCC GS4 hates crossing the boundary too.
The only isolation between districts is the center rail jumper wire at the switch.
Should I:
A) Just get another 180w Brick and Legacy PM for the yard
B) Tie in the yard with the outer loop 180w Brick and PM and control yard legs with rocker switches.
Note: We have a mix of postwar and modern accessories in the yard that require 14v-18v. That's why the ZW is in place, along with some members wanting to run conventional ops in the yard.
(Even though they never have... LOL)
