POWER OUTTAGE

32 lamps at about 6 watts each...that's 192 watts. That ZW is giving you all she's got, and it ain't quite enough. Sounds like it is tripping the circuit breaker.

Even if they are only 5 watts each, that's 160 watts.

Thanks Rich, I guess I either add more juice, cut back on the lights or replace the lamps with LED's. What would you do? I'm opting for the LED's.

hello guys and gals.........

Or you could replace it with a MTH Z4000 ?

the woman who loves the S.F.#5021

Tiffany

Paul,

Do what I did. Pick up a pair of 25 amp DC power supplies that put out 14 volts each. I'm running well over 100 lamps without a problem. Bulbs also run cooler and last longer on DC.

I picked up my DC power supplies several years ago for less than $25 each.

Tiffany,

Or you could replace it with a MTH Z4000 ?

That's a very expensive power source for street lighting!

why not just buy / get / salvage a few transformers (not the variable train type, but the type found in chargers, and such, there available cheap on the surplus market. )

what voltage do they require? 

Led's are very directional, so they may not be a good choice for you street lamps. 

I'll try to post some links to surplus transformers a little later 

An alternative is a postwar ZW, rated at 275watts, but should not exceed 75% of that continuous.  Use with external breaker.

Barry's suggestion is good, but be sure to use external breakers and limit loads on each circuit to, say, 10 amps or even less.  I wouldn't set up a single circuit drawing 25 amps.  FYI, if you were using 25 amp on a house circuit, you'd need 8 gauge wire.

This is what I use.

http://www.homedepot.com/webap...2593370#.UKbofeTAesY

ZWBob, that looks like a perfect solution for alota lights much cheaper than a z4000

LEDs...that is the answer. No heat, 1/10 the current draw and they will last forever.

I think I have one of the outdoor light transformers if some one needs one I will look in the am.

Gunny

LEDs are best way to go. I'm in the process of changing as much of my lighting as I can to LEDs. It will take quite awhile but it's worth it to me. I'm mostly using the soft white colored ones. I made my own for my Real Trax switches. The bulbs used to get so hot in them I was surprised they didnt melt the plastic. Now with the LEDs they are cool to the touch and not as bright. I didnt like when they were very bright, always bothered me. 

I want to thank all of you for your imput. I'll mull over all the ideas and see which one is the best solution for me.

I have 2 Lionel Post War Type Z, 250w  transformers and a Type V, 150w, that I use for powering lights, buildings and accessories. I use the Z4K's for powering my trains. Picked them up relatively cheaply reconditioned and though the lights might go dim in the neighborhood when I power up my layout, it is very well lit! LOL!

The Types Z & V could well be pre-WWII units.  I believe that the V, as well as the later VW, is quite rare.

There are commercial transformers available (120volt primary to 12 volt secondary) They may be listed as (Buck/Boost transformers)  This transformer was a shelf item at the shop, ordered for a problem job were there was an issure of the Power company voltage dropping below 110volts, (A boost application) You would also use them where you had 208 volt rated equipment and supply voltage was 240.(A buck application)   They are relatively high wattage compared to (Toy Train application).   This transformer is listed at .75KVA.   A Whooping 750 watts.  Three ZW's packed into one.  A powerful lot of Accessory power, IMO.     

Upper left corner of the picture.  Please keep in mind this is way beyond Toy Train control power and is coupled with a fused distribution system upper right corner of this picture. Fuse sizes are as small as functional, larger than required fuses allow for a lot of arc and spark to the point that it could be considered welding.  You can acquire 18 volt control transformer but usually by special order, not a common control voltage.  

 For those that dare.   More power, Tim!!!!

 Acme part number.  T-1-81052   .75 KW (750 watts) 

120 or 240 volt primary  (Connected 120 volts)

12 or 24 volt secondary  (Connected 12 volts, I have considered the 24 volt connection)

Weight is 19 pounds.  It is also an isolation transformer with internal shielding.