Transformer Selection Help

Hi Dave!  So far I am soldering power to every other Gargraves flex track joint, underneath the rails.  I solder red 18ga center, black outer, and blue on opposite outer rail to enable detection of train presence (applied dc voltage passing through train axles) in each isolated set of track pieces as desired.  The Blue wire is not necessary, and can be both black if desired or just stick with wiring one outer rail.  18ga feeders connect to 14ga buss wire via terminal strips.

I am using solder I literally found in the middle of the street.  If it has a bit of rosin flux in it, it should work fine.  Just ask your local train dealer if you need a pointer there.

I am using two Type 1033 transformers from the 50’s or 60’s - one 90Watt and one 75, one 1950’s ZW 275Watt, and one Troller TAC 2001 150Watt from the 1980’s for a two-level 16’x23’ L shaped layout.  One transformer for each of 4 sections of the layout.  I set them at 14V when running Lion Chief, and retain the ability to run conventional in each section.  I am running small engines on a loop-to-loop switching layout with 34” diameter minimum curves.

@Hannibal-St Joseph RR posted:

Hi Dave!  So far I am soldering power to every other Ross joint, underneath the rails.  I solder red 18ga center, black outer, and blue on opposite outer rail to enable detection of train presence (applied dc voltage passing through train axles) in each isolated set of track pieces as desired.  The Blue wire is not necessary, and can be both black if desired or just stick with wiring one outer rail.  18ga feeders connect to 14ga buss wire via terminal strips.

I am using solder I literally found in the middle of the street.  If it has a bit of flux in it, it should work fine:

I am using two Type 1033 transformers from the 50’s or 60’s - one 90Watt and one 75, one 1950’s ZW 275Watt, and one Troller TAC 2001 150Watt from the 1980’s for a two-level 16’x23’ L shaped layout.  One transformer for each of 4 sections of the layout.  I set them at 14V when running Lion Chief, and retain the ability to run conventional in each section.

I hope that's not acid core solder !

Your cw 180 will power your entire layout and run at least two trains, probably three.

To each his own, but I see no advantage to having as many drops as have been mentioned here. A single drop can feed a lot of track.

One thing you keep mentioning and no one seems to have addressed yet is "railsounds."  Those sounds are generally created through electronic boards and speakers found in the locomotive or cars you run.  However, their activation is through your control system and will occur either through your handheld device or through transformer bell / whistle controls. (This is a very simplified explanation.)  This is also true for BPRC controlled locomotives.  Depending on the activation method you choose, not all features may be available.

Also, be wary of using older transformers with newer locomotives built with digital electronics.  Older transformers don't provide the needed protections against shorts, voltage spikes and other odd electrical events that will destroy the newer on-board electronics of your locos.  Look for forum topics about TVS and fuses for fuller discussion and recommendations.

Finally, please drop the idea of DCC in 3-rail for now.  While some engines were built by MTH with DCC compatible control, that was more so they could be used by 2-rail modelers who already have a DCC system in place.

Chuck