Then how about one of these: I stumbled across this idea whilst googling something else.
This is a model DPS-800GBA PSU for an HP DL380 G5 server, dating from about 2006 through 2010 or so.
From the nameplate below you will see that on a 240 VAC supply it will produce 80+ amps of 12 VDc power.
It will also run on 120 VAC, though the 12 VDC output is reduced somewhat; to only 70 amps.
Here is the business end close up:
Being a computer PSU, it expects a resistor across a couple of the connectors on the left end, so it knows to turn itself on. The info on how to do this is all available online, but the Gigampz adapter below makes it very easy to connect, and it simulates being mounted in a server, so that the PSU runs. Plus you get several nice screw wire connectors to hook it up. Six #14 AWG wires would be more than enough to distribute the power wherever you need it. #12 would be good for a heavy load district.
One of my little sideline hobbies is refurbishing computers and servers, so I have a few of these around. But I had never considered one for an accessory power supply. Used older servers are really cheap on ebay, and each DL380 has two of these PSU's. Each PSU contains two fans to provide cooling, which vary their speed according to the internal temperature. At low loads they are barely audible, especially if situated under the layout somewhere. Pretty user friendly.
I have read where some folks have big towns on their layouts, which have in some case hundreds of 12 volt light bulbs. So this is a potential answer for the BBBIIIGGGG power requirements.
Rod
