I am at the point of wiring and power decision in building my layout. Many years ago I purchased the entire collection, including track and power. It brought me back into the hobby and gave me incentive to build a real layout. I have thought through the power options, but would appreciate feedback on my plan.
The layout:
The layout is a Ken Oscale design that is approximately 18x8. I am using Fastrack from the prior collection purchased. 90% of the use will be command control Lionel and MTH equipment.
Current plan is to divide the layout into two main power districts. One district will be the interior figure 8 interior and the upper level, powered by one 180w Lionel brick. Second district will be the outside loop and small yards, which will be powered by another 180w brick. Each district divided into several blocks to help identify any issues. Side yards will have switches to power off. Track will have jumpers soldered between sections to improve connectivity. All switches are currently command control capable. Wiring plan is to utilize the star pattern from Barry’s DCS book.
Power options I currently have:
ZW-C with 4 180w bricks.
Cab1/Base 1 TMCC
DCS Rev. L and remote ( no watchdog signal in channel 2)
TPC 400
80w transformer
1- LCS sensor track
1-LCS Ser2
Currently on order:
Lionel Base 3
Cab 1L
DCS WTIU
Plan is to mainly power the layout with 2ea 180w bricks through the good fixed and variable channels of the existing TIU, linking the Base1 TMCC to the DCS.
when available, replace the Base1 with Base3 and the TIU with the WTIU. At that time split the power between the two variable channels, which will allow the ability to fully utilize Legacy features and run my few conventional engines with the DCS remote.
In addition I plan to add LCS accessory control module and the LCS app to control switches and the few powered accessories.
Any thoughts and recommendations are appreciated. Thanks.
