Track power question

I use the Tpc 400. I like it, it has the 400 watts. I can run three big engine’s with many cars. I also like that I can connect the data driver into it, for my dz-2500 switch machines. I also use a power master 360 for an another outside loop that I have. Of course you have to decide. I use legacy cab 1L. I don’t use conventional. That being said a power master will work fine.

They're basically the same. The main difference is the Legacy powermaster receives commands remotely. Just like a locomotive.

The Tpc 400 requires a com/dat wire connection to recieve base commands.

Having said all that. 1 brick can easily run 2 or 3 trains by itself.

Rather than tie two bricks together through the tpc or powermaster. It's safer to use each brick on an independent block.

Two bricks in parallel can cause large sparks and burn marks on the track. The greater voltage puts the sensitive Electronics at greater risk of damage.

Having said that. Neither is really needed unless your running conventional trains which is their primary purpose.

Otherwise the only purpose they serve is to allow remote power up and shutoff of the track.

@RickO posted:

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The greater voltage puts the sensitive Electronics at greater risk of damage.

The voltage would be the same.

I have two 180 bricks, with my Tpc 400. The breakers on the bricks shut down immediately if shorted. I have not had any problems with voltage spikes. I’m not saying that couldn’t happen. I have use them for over twenty years.

@John H posted:

The voltage would be the same.

I meant amps.

@Ron Casamento posted:

I have two 180 bricks, with my Tpc 400. The breakers on the bricks shut down immediately if shorted. I have not had any problems with voltage spikes.

I used to run the same. I never had any problems either. I just found the arcing , smoke, and spot welds on my track during a derailment, a bit unsettling.

So it seams there is more experience with the tpc400 does that put down a full 400 cause it says up to and the bricks are only 180w each so that would be max 360 right anyone use the legacy 360 lionel told me to use the 360 to get the most of out my legacy and vision line locomotives

@Francostrains posted:

So it seams there is more experience with the tpc400 does that put down a full 400 cause it says up to and the bricks are only 180w each so that would be max 360 right anyone use the legacy 360 lionel told me to use the 360 to get the most of out my legacy and vision line locomotives

How many locomotives are you running at one time?

I guess it depends on the day 1-2 steam or 1-4 diesels

Personally, I use no more than one 180W brick on a single power district.  I can easily run two large steam consists with all the smoke going on 180 watts, so I see no reason to risk welding things.

FWIW, my experience with paralleling two 180W bricks differs from Ron, we did that on our modular club layout and several people experienced significant wheel damage during a derailment.  The only time we needed the extra power was when two large passenger trains were on one power district with both having incandescent lighting.  We solved that problem by not doing that!

This might be an appropriate place to ask a question.  I have wondered for some time if I should have a “panic” button to kill all power.  I am running all conventional and can run 4 trains simultaneously with all tracks connected.  I have never had a problem but I have never been as old and senile as I am now.  Most comments would be appreciated.

Panic button sure why not put a big giant red push button that kills all power

@Francostrains posted:

Panic button sure why not put a big giant red push button that kills all power

https://www.amazon.com/DEWENWI...p&th=1&psc=1

John

This is my power control for the layout.  The first four are the four transformers for the various power districts, the bottom one kills all power to the layout.  I have four of these, and I normally stick on in my pocket when I'm running so that I have access to power control wherever I am.

IMO it's a very good idea to have the ability to kill the whole layout, you never know what's going to come up.

I like that

I bought them on Amazon, there are a number of choices.  The set with five outlet switches and two remotes is only around $30, and I bought a couple extra remotes to have plenty scattered around the layout.

Hey @gunrunnerjohn.....

What are the 4 small black boxes immediately above the 4 Powerhouse 180s?

@Junior posted:

Hey @gunrunnerjohn.....

What are the 4 small black boxes immediately above the 4 Powerhouse 180s?

Those are the DCS Remote Commander boxes.  They all have my Watchdog board in them and they generate continuous DCS watchdog signals on each of the TIU channels.  This allows me to freely switch power to sidings and loops and have any MTH locomotives come up dark and silent.

Ah! Thanks @gunrunnerjohn! 👍