Thinking about incorporating the street system into my layout. What are the basic components necessary? Obviously track, but what is the control system, and what kind of vehicles are needed? Are the vehicles the most expensive piece?
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There is a very active use of 'Streets here and a lot of discussion including several very active threads. I would encourage you to use the search engine and look through things.
You need:
- the track - you obviously need it, and be sure you get and use the curve-to-straight transition sections
- power supply: stock 'Streets cars will run on AC or DC, 0 to 18 volts. they need only about 3 - 7 watts each, so any toy train power supply will be enough
- vehicles - most cost around $50-$75. Avoid the TMCC ones are first - they cost a lot and offer no benefit to you right now.
The new sedans are great. As Lee mentioned the transformer is not critical. Be aware that the older SuperStreets are a lighter color than the new EZ-Streets. Also the transitions for the curves are important.
There are two threads on this subject running concurrently with some overlap. I’m responding to a specific previous post on the earlier thread about choice of transformers.
If you are planning to run any trolleys or streetcars with sound systems such as an MTH PS-2 streetcar on your ‘streets, then choice of transformer will matter. You need to have a bell button for programming which older transformers don’t have. Programming with an older transformer and a Lionel 6-5906 sound activation button is not very reliable. Also, some newer Lionel transformers may not work either as I was not able to program my MTH Railking PS-2 streetcar using a Lionel CW-80 which does have a bell button. I now use an MTH Z-1000.
HTH,
Bill
