Switching to AC from DC - what effect on trackside accessories?

Your Powerhouse is plenty for the size layout you have in the photo. But you should use the TMCC Direct Lockon to help prevent against any shorts. I have a Powerhouse 180 powering my 2 Fastrack loops and all of my switches. I'm running ERR (TMCC) , Legacy, and Lionchief. I have no issues other than my cat knocking over my trees and blocking the track. Then I have to get the loggers to come in and clear the track before operations begin again.

TMCC Direct Lockon (lionel.com)

No need to change anything most Lionel accessories were probably designed for AC however as you start to add more to your layout you may want to consider a separate accessory transformer. IMO I don’t think you’ll need a TMCC lock-on you’ll find some people like them and some don’t. The breaker on the brick is more than fast enough. Do keep in mind if it’s the new 180w brick if you make a connector for the molex plug be sure to have a pin in all of the slots as the new one has a switch to turn on power. I’d link to that thread but can’t currently find it. If you use the lock- on or a Legacy Powemaster you won’t have to worry about the pin.

Thank you guys. This definitely helps.
Steve

You can power Lionel accessories with track power. But you may not want to considering: most Lionel accessories are recommended to be powered at between 10-16 volts AC.  Their source can either be track power or dedicated AC outputs from one or more transformer/controllers.   For incandescent lights, I prefer the way they look running them at a lower voltage than the track power recommended for Legacy and Lion Chief.  Like the lights, I also like to have other separate variable voltage source(s) to power certain other motor driven accessories.  Other advantages to running accessories at less than Legacy/LC locomotive voltage, is that the accessories will last longer, generate less heat, and draw less power.  I find that smaller (possibly used) inexpensive transformers work great for accessories.  There are lots of options.

Thanks SteveH!

If you are going to power the accessories with DC I don't think the vibrating accessories will work (think barrel loader) as they require a constantly changing magnetic field.