Running a large Fastrack layout with Lion Chief DC Wall Pack Power

@TNT69 posted:

Is there a problem with running both power packs with 3 separate Engines?

No. Your circuit protection comes in at 5 amps instead of 2.5 is all, kind of like using a CW-80 which also puts out 5 amps continuous.  The advantage of the wall packs is that you are running DC and there is no issue with phasing or polarity as long as you keep the original plugs and cords intact. 3 wall packs spaced along the layout will give you 7.5 amps to the track, about the same as a PH-1 brick.

@TNT69 posted:

I run a seasonal ( 6-8 weeks during Holidays) layout which consists of approximately 100 feet of Lionel Fastrack, the Lion Chief Penn Flyer, Lion Chief Polar Express and a Lion Chief Union Pacific RS3 Diesel Locomotive. The track is set on carpet around my basement in a large curving loop. I ran the layout last year with only the DC Wall Power Packs that came with the Flyer and Polar Express. It ran fine all season but this year after laying it all out again, I seem to have some connection and power problems. I have some track cleaning I need to finish but I have been told that I should not run multiple trains on 2 of these wall power packs and that 1 of them is way short on power. Is there a problem with running both power packs with 3 separate Engines? And if this can cause problems, what is my best scenario for power without a huge investment?

I totally agree with ADCXRob.  I run multiple Lionel Lionchief Loco's on my permanent Fastrack layout( more than 100 feet of track) and I do not have any problems.  I have ran two loco's on a loop of track with 3 wall pack power supplies(11 amps, 72 + 72 + 54 watts) and checking with my Fluke multi meter, I still had 14.347 volts DC to the track with both loco's running about the same speed at half throttle.  I doubt one loco would be way short of power if both are running about half throttle from the Lionchief remote.   Your power issues may be dirty track and/or track not connected tightly.

Great to hear!! I was hoping I wouldn't need to go the transformer route. Would it be better if I purchased a 3rd Wall Power Pack for the 3rd engine? Since it didn't come in a set, there was no wall power pack, just the remote. I will finish cleaning track and replacing track with broken center rail connectors today. I have had about 4 so far with broken center pins.

I would set everything up and try running with just the two wall packs.  Since that worked last time it should work again.   What are the wattage/amp ratings of your wall packs?

The Penn Flyer is Input: 100-120V, 60Hz    Output: DC18V, 1750mA, 31.5 VA

The Polar Express is Input: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz    Output: 18 VDC, 54 VA   3000 mA

I asked a similar question last year.  I was concerned about phasing not realizing the packs put out DC.  Imagine my shock at learning otherwise.

I would try to space the power packs/connection equal distance around your loop to minimize voltage drop.

Jan

I agree with the others - your issues probably have more to do with spacing out your power connections to the track and/or poor connectivity between track sections than overall power.

There are several videos and threads on the Forum that explain how to improve connectivity when using FT.

@TNT69 posted:

The Penn Flyer is Input: 100-120V, 60Hz    Output: DC18V, 1750mA, 31.5 VA

The Polar Express is Input: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz    Output: 18 VDC, 54 VA   3000 mA

That converts to 1.75 & 3 amps.  I use a power bus of #12 wire under my layout for additional power feeds from my wall power packs.  You may not have room under the track to do this, but it will help quite a lot if you can do it.  If you add any more track, I would replace the 1.75 amp with another 3000 ma (3 amp) power pack. 

@Jan posted:

I asked a similar question last year.  I was concerned about phasing not realizing the packs put out DC.  Imagine my shock at learning otherwise.

I would try to space the power packs/connection equal distance around your loop to minimize voltage drop.

Jan

Yea, phasing is important with AC but not with DC. 

I just purchased another power pack on eBay late last night. I didn't realize until this morning that they are all different. The one I just ordered is a 2000 mA or I guess 2 amps. Not sure why Lionel makes at least 3 different power packs for Lion Chief sets. Would think it would be just as easy to put the same in each. Oh well, I will space these 3 power packs out to cover an area equal to their power. I've heard of the main wire with feeders before but for a 6-8 week set up, I'm not sure if that is necessary. Thanks everyone for your input. I really appreciate the help!!