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I've been working on a project to put a layout in a little country store out here in the boondocks. Basically, it's going to have about 70 feet of straight track with a 90 degree turn about 2/3 of the way through and reversing loops on each end. I'm building this in sections with the hope that I can sneak in there early some Sunday morning and install the thing - the owner of the place doesn't have any idea of what I'm planning. Should make for some interesting fun

 

The original layout will just run one train. I've been looking at the Dallee stuff and will buy one of their products what will allow someone to punch a button and the train will run for a few minutes then shut down. I'm planning on using a standard 80 watt Lionel transformer to run the thing. However, looking into the future, if this works out I plan on putting in a passing siding and running two trains - which is probably beyond the capability of the small transformer, especially if I run longer trains with multiple powered engines.

 

So here is my question: There's a possibility I may be able to get a used MTH 4000 for about $200 (don't know if that is a good buy or not) or pick up a Lionel 6-37947 for not much more. Both are probably overkill, but it's better to have a little bit too much available than not enough. As I understand the Dallee system, if I do run two trains, I don't need the capability to do that via the transformer - their product takes care of that - so the dual controls on the MTH may be redundant.

 

I sure would appreciate any input on this matter

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Tripleo-

 

The 80 watt transformer would have no problems powering the layout, but if you plan on running anything more than a basic starter set the Z4000 is the way to go. Typically the larger transformers are priced anywhere from $.80-$1.00 per watt, so $200 for a 400 watt Z4000 in working condition sounds like a good deal.

 

As an aside, given you desire to have someone push a button to make the trains run on demand, I would recommend running conventionally with the reversing units locked out. I'm not too familiar with the Dallee line, but if you were operating the units in command mode, the Dallee module would have to send out a signal to each locomotive to "go", then "stop" after a fixed period. With conventional operation all you have to do is either add or remove power to the tracks.

 

-John

Thanks for the input!

 

My main concern is reliability and ease of operation. The track is going to be approximately 7 feet above the floor running on the edge of a series of retail food coolers and freezers. Should be interesting (I hope). The Dallee system will start and stop the operation with gradual increases and reduction in speed, and they have an option that will always stop the train in the same spot, regardless of the timer having run out. Haven't decided if that option is all that important, though. I am thinking that I will be running conventional stuff only, and probably locked into forward so as to eliminate the possibility of the E unit cycling into neutral or reverse.

 

Keep in mind that I'm a novice at this stuff - don't have a layout of my own. Just a small double loop with crossover that I run under the Christmas tree every year. I just got this idea to do this layout, and I'm gonna "by golly" get it done, one way or another.

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