Power Needed for New 12X10 Layout

Lionel 180W Powerhouse power supply 6-22983

For trains what Mike said.  If you have other accessories factor that in.  You may want something that has fixed voltage or another throttle that can be set lower. 

Thanks @MikeH Is the 180W supply fixed at 18V for Legacy when you turn it on or can you adjust the voltage?

It's fixed.

Would love to see your track plan! 

MTH Z-4000 - even though this unit has a fast acting fuse, you should also install TVS suppressors for additional protection. It has two separate, adjustable voltage track power outputs plus separate 14v and 10v accessory outputs. A little pricey, but it should easily handle all of your needs and has the added benefit of allowing you to run conventional trains in the future should you ever get into that genre.

I vote for the 180W Powerhouse PLUS the Legacy Powermaster. Gives you excellent protection, plus the ability to run conventional should you want to.

PLCProf posted:

I vote for the 180W Powerhouse PLUS the Legacy Powermaster. Gives you excellent protection, plus the ability to run conventional should you want to.

That's the way I'd go as well.

The size of the platform is totally irrelevant.    You need to base the power supply on the amperage (or wattage) total the trains you are running will draw.     You can hook up a VOM  (meter) in line with your track and read the amperage draw to get an idea.     Two locos and no lighted passenger cars in my opinion are going to draw pretty low current.      So assuming 2 amps per loco which will be high for newer stuff, a 4 amp supply should do the job safely.

@O-gauger requested to see the track plan.  I would like to thank @prrjim for all his tireless help and patience helping me put this together.

Thank you! 

I have used a MT . Z1000 on a 24 x 28 layout running legacy and dcs for years.  It's a highly overlooked excellant, reliable transformer.  It can only run one track at a time  though .