Powering multiple trains

For LionChief or Legacy, A PH180 Should handle the trains.

Hi Robert,

I see that you joined the forum yesterday, welcome!  That's an interesting layout plan.

Could you please provide more information about the control system(s) you would like to use?  Conventional (AC voltage to your O Gauge Locomotives supplied by a variable output Transformer), Lion Chief, TMCC/Legacy, DCS or some combination?

It would also be helpful to know how many of each kind of Locomotives you might want to run at the same time (model numbers please).

Also, do you want to power accessories independently (not from the Track Power), which is recommended?

Thanks for responses.

I have seven (7) trains.

1. Texas Special Neil Young

2. Polar Express

3. Harry Potter Hogwarts Express

4. Department 56 Allied Train

5. Santa Fe Chief El Capitan

6. Walter E. Disney Christmas Train

7. LCCA Bicentennial Train

I have C80 power supplies for each train. All switches are Remotes. None of the trains are LionelChief.

Next phase will complete circles on Orange and Purple Lines. Final phase will add 90 degree crossing between the Orange and Purple loops.

@Robert Dove posted:

Thanks for responses.

I have seven (7) trains.

1. Texas Special Neil Young

2. Polar Express

3. Harry Potter Hogwarts Express

4. Department 56 Allied Train

5. Santa Fe Chief El Capitan

6. Walter E. Disney Christmas Train

7. LCCA Bicentennial Train

I have C80 power supplies for each train. All switches are Remotes. None of the trains are LionelChief.

This information is somewhat helpful, but also like saying I have a blue car, which engine does it have?  Many of these locomotives have been made with different motors and control options.

Please provide the model numbers from the boxes (not the road numbers painted on the sides of the locos).

If you already have 7 x CW80 transformers, this makes your original question less clear.

@Robert Dove posted:

What is the most economical way to power the attached ...

To get a meaningful answer to your question, you would still need to also answer the question about which control method(s) you want to use: Conventional, TMCC/Legacy and/or DCS?

Hi Robert,

Based on your track diagram, you have 3 loops that are connected but can run separately if wanted. If all your  trains are conventional, then probably the least expensive way to go is get yourself a second hand ZW. That way you can utilize 3 of the 4 speed controls and have a 4th for accessories.

If you have all command controlled trains, then a Legacy CAB 1L for $249.00 plus a brick or other higher wattage transformer.

For a combination of command and conventional,  the  CAB 1L  plus a Legacy Powermaster (~$100 or so) is inexpensive and gives you walk around also.

On my layout I  use the above, plus I have a DCS from long ago to power my MTH PS2/3 engines.