Powering a new layout advice needed

are you going to run any conventional engines?  then add a TPC. 

the 180 watt bricks would give you more then enough power. 

No conventional planned right now, but seems easy enough if I do get my 40 year old Lionel's up and running, to add a TPC.

Thanks Bigdodgetrain

Thanks for the reply Don.

That is something I have not thought about. Again I'm jumping from early '80's to now, so I am playing a lot of catchup on control systems, wiring, electronics, etc.

I am gonna take a guess and say that for that brief period as the train moves from one block to another, getting power from 2 sources, even if the power sources are in phase, could be bad for the electronics in the locomotives? If so I will need to look at that. Any suggestions on where to look for info other than the forum?

That is correct - If there is any voltage difference between the 2 power sources electricity will flow from the higher source to the lower source through the electronics of the train. When I designed my layout I took this into consideration and took steps to ensure that a train is never powered by two power sources. I used boards from 3-rail innovations to do this. They not only do the power passing but also keep the trains 1 block apart and ensure that 2 trains are never powered by the same source. I run 2 trains on a single mainline that is divided into 6 blocks and powered from three sources.  John Kerklo who owned 3-rail innovations stopped selling his boards about a year ago. However, if you are interested I can send you an email with his contact information. I'm pretty sure he has some stock left and the boards are very high quality and built to last.

If you don't mind I would like the email and see if he has any left. Thank you!!

I need your email address. You can add it to your profile or send me an email and I will respond.

Sorry about that Don. It has been added to the profile!!

If you are running in command mode and you don't plan on pulling more than 10 amps total why do you want/need more than one PowerHouse 180 supply?

Hey Chuck and thanks for replying.

For the most part, it’s not a want or need, but mainly ignorance since I haven’t worked a layout since the early 1980’s. So after the plan was done, and going through all the Lionel instructional videos I was overloaded with info. Asked Lionel customer service if the plan, with legacy and 1 powerhouse per power district was on the right track and they said it was. Well, as I am learning, that is A LOT of power.a bit too much.

You could retain the districts and use  switches (either manual or remote controlled) to enable/disable power to a given district.  If you don't need more than 10 amps, I'd stick with 10 amps.  You can always add more if you need them later, especially if you already have stuff blocked out.

Jay,

I have 8 power districts in my PRR Panhandle (18.5 x 10, approximately 220' track).  I am using 1 PowerHouse 180 to supply the 4 mainline Power districts and 1 PowerHouse 180 to supply the remaining 4 Power districts (all yards).  I regularly run 2 or more trains on the mainline without problems.  I have a TPC 400 in front of the mainline power districts in case I want to run conventional.

Check out the PRR Panhandle division on the Photo Forum.  Photo 4 is a wiring diagram.

George

Chuck I like that idea you and Don are suggesting, so I will have to research that one. I like the block control relay idea for a more automated switching of power to the districts

Hey George;

I took a quick look at it and since today is my Friday I am going to study it tomorrow. I will probably post some questions about the diagram so I better understand it.

I would encourage you to consider a Legacy Power Master before a TPC300 or TPC400.  The Legacy Power Master is due to be available mid year, if you can wait. The Legacy PM has several advantages over the TPC as it relates to protecting the electronics in the newer trains.

If you do not require TMCC/Legacy remote control over the power (many cases do not benefit from remote operation); the I suggest the GW-180 - available now.

Both the Legacy PM and the GW-180 are current tech, supply 10Amps RMS @ 18VAC, support the quick action protection for the trains, and are solid products.  The TPC is outdated.

Evening Jon and thanks for the info and for reminding me about the Legacy PM. Saw it in the product finder a couple months ago and put it in the back of my mind as there was no price, I figured it wasn't available yet. Waiting for it's release is not a problem as construction hasn't begun yet. 

There is another topic about the Lionel TMCC Lock On and a TPC. I like the Lock On, but it has always been a problem when using it with the TPC at lower voltages.

It sounds like if we use the new Legacy PM when it becomes available, then the TMCC Lock On is going to be superfluous as the Legacy PM is going to provide equal or better protection?

Happy to help.  By the way, the diagram shows the terminal strips for the 4 mainline power districts.  The other 4 district terminal strips live on a separate board on the eastern side of the layout (in case you were wondering).  All are fused and all have indicator lamps (bulbs).

George