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I am an electrician so I guess I should know the answer. I am running legacy trains on a layout that has about 100 feet of track. The wire is 16 gauge. I have many connections to the track throughout the layout. If I put an amprobe on the transformer +, I am close to 10 amps. I have two long passenger trains with lighted cars. If I take 4 passenger lighted cars off the track the amps drops to about 7. I don't need to increase my wattage by much. I am able to run 4 diesel engines at the same time, no problem. I should be able to parallel two transformers of the same voltage to increase my wattage.

Originally Posted by Gsgood:

 I should be able to parallel two transformers of the same voltage to increase my wattage.

Martys suggestion is a good one  not as easy as adding power, but more power going through the rails raises the risk of damaging the sensative electronics of modern stuff.

 

If you insist on adding more power I believe Lionel recommends either running two 180s in parallel or two 135s in parallel and running them through a TPC unit to the track.

 

I've run 2 180's through a TPC unit, its a ton of power that can leave spotweld marks on wheels and rails during derailments at 18v. I think many folks prefer two 135's with the lower amperage, but your the electrician

 

 

Here is a picture of two PH 135's in parallel. Lionel supplies a connector piece that accomplishes this. (6-14194)   Once at the 270 watt level. I will admit that de-rails are an arc and spark adventure.  I eventually took the 270 watts of power  controlled by the TPC's and made (8) blocks, note the (8) fuses.  The (8) blocks are controlled by the (2) BPC's pictured. With the two TPC's I have the ability to choose which TPC is controlling any of the (8) blocks.
Notice the (6-14194) adaptor part bottom of the Right TPC (Silver box)

Two Block Power Controllers. (BPC) The Blocks can be turned off/on to either of the (2) TPC's pictured using in my case the Cab-1 controller.  Older IC controls  BPC's.

(8) 7.5 amp track fuses. One for each block.

Single line diagrams
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Last edited by Mike CT
Originally Posted by Gsgood:

So how do I create a block? Do I remove the track pins where I want the one block to end and the next to start? As long as both passenger trains are not running in the same block at the same time, there should be no power issues. Right?

 Depending on the track system you just use plastic pins instead of metal ones or you can cut a gap with a Dremel tool. The problem is that all the cars and engines with 2 pickup rollers will connected adjacent blocks when they roll over it. This connects the 2 blocks and the transformers are placed in parallel via the 22 gauge wire connecting the rollers. This can be avoided with a relay system if there is enough room for a transition block. However it is a lot easier converting the passenger cars to LEDs.

 

Dale H

You still have 20 amps potential. A short anywhere would produce a sizable arc. In that event 10 amps of the 20 total go through a 22 gauge wire. On your club layout if all the planets line up correctly,3 trains could bridge 4 bricks with 40 amp potential to the track. 40 amps at 18 volts is 720 watts. Could weld steel with that maybe.

 

Dale H

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