Transformers - Where do you place them?

If you can, you should have a separate shelf for transformers. Ideally, it should be mounted at a lower level than the main table top, at least, in my opinion.

Mine are mounted just below and on the side of my layout.

mine, on a stand/table just below the layout middle table. this is in the centralized region to be able to view the two adjoining tables. I plan on making another control board at the same level as the ZW transformer placement.  

I put mine on a freestanding table I got at Goodwill...bricks go nicely on the second shelf.

John

On my PW style layout I built a shelf that mounts to the benchwork for the transformers.

AC Train control and DC Tortoise Switching of Ross units topside.

Power down in the Layout "Basement"

johnstrains posted:

On my PW style layout I built a shelf that mounts to the benchwork for the transformers.

I've done the same, shelf mounted to the benchwork on one side of my layout. Even use the same transformers. Only difference is I also use TMCC/DCS. 

Good advice, all around.  Years ago I had a large 40' x 12' Super 'O' layout, with a 10' 'L' shaped extension for the classification & freight yard.  With that layout, and all the previous ones I've built, I too, always mounted the transformers on a separate panel, not on the layout itself.

Other than the obvious advantage of having more room for track & scenery, repairs and wiring problems  can be dealt with much more easily if the transformers are readily  accessible, and even better if the entire control panel can be moved for internal wiring access. Installation of modular 'jacks' or plugs will allow your transformer master control panel to be disconnected rather quickly, instead of having to unscrew myriads of thumb nuts.

Good luck to you! Building and operating a well-maintained model pike is one of the greatest joys our hobby has to offer.

-Len Carparelli

Free-standing homemade rolling cart, with electronics on a separate fixed panel under the layout. The wires are about 12" longer than necessary which gives me some "play" to move the cart around to get a little more underneath access.

Good topic, Paul.

Mine is hilarious. I had no idea what I was doing. I dreamed this nightmare up, but by some miracle, it works and I've never had a short because of this arrangement for over 20 years!

The top of the train table is about 15 inches higher than the Z4000 transformer.

LOL, Arnold

Each of my two Z-4000 transformers is mounted on its own stand at the side of the table. The legs and frame are like the rest of the benchwork – by Mianne. The stands are usually cluttered with locomotives and anything else that needs to be put somewhere. The transformer/switch-control wiring is easily accessible from below but the transformers get in the way when taking layout photos. The transformer at left also powers my smaller layout, visible at the upper left of first photo. If I had it to do over again, I would put the transformers on a shelf directly beneath the table. My father did a beautiful job of finishing the plywood on which the transformers sit. That will remain unchanged as long as this layout is in operation.

MELGAR

Hi RAILRUNNIN Paul,

When I had the trainroom expanded, which included moving this door (on the left in all four photos,) which connects the basement to the garage, to where you see it, here, I had this niche built in its wall for all the ZWs and the TMCC equipment. When I face this ensemble, I have a direct view of our guests coming down the stairs into the room. Also, this positioning is somewhat central to the entire layout's viewing aisles, so I can communicate with guests and answer their questions and receive their observations with ease and conviviality as they move around the layout.

Previous to this arrangement, all the ZWs were on a shelf under the layout, at its edge, so that meant my back was often toward our guests. We quickly realized that conversing with me was a priority of our guests to the trainroom, so facing them and not being bent over was primary in this new positioning of the entire transformers system.

FrankM, Moon Township, USA

 Really great replies gentlemen. Thank you for the input  and pictures.

Since I will be using Mianne Benchwork perhaps their add on shelf is my path of least resistance. I had not thought about this prior to this morning when pondering my "very much a work in progress" layout diagram.

Paul

Under the table out of sight, once the power strip is turned on and the throttle(s) are set to 18v there is no reason to see the transformers or power bricks for the rest of the operating session.

Arnold,

Are you available for transformer installations and wiring assistance???

MELGAR

I have both. For my basement layout, I whipped up a 3 shelf table. ZW controller, and some switches on top, switches for my turnouts below, and the two 135w bricks on the bottom. Not fancy, maybe not ergonomically correct, but it works.

 When I built my Christmas tree layout, 19 years ago, my train guy recommended a BW80. I bolted it to the platform, and surrounded it with the switches. It looked wonderful. Then I needed a new transformer. It had to fit in the same spot, so I got the GW180. I have had nothing but trouble with it, and can’t get parts to fix it. I now run the train with the 180, and have a big MRC behind the tree that powers the accessories. Never design the transformer into the layout.

Mine are mounted close to the table top...I almost consider them part of the scenery.

Fendermain

KW front and center. Kind of mandatory for a conventional runner....

Nice pix all!

Frank MOONSON, this is what's known as a STACK as in amplifier cabinets! a five stack! lol. very interesting.

Fendermain, showroom styling! so clear of obstruction and mayhem.  clean o clean machines, yeah buddy, but did you see the STACK?.

Arnold, all I can say is that its totally  fascinating that It Works so well! And folks, I have seen it run flawlessly in person!

Melgar, a great behind the scenes pictorial of the power tables.

cant send a photo, still at work.  my ZW is on an adjustable keyboard -X- stand with wooden computer keyboard shelf across, accompanied by track pliers, lubes, wire stripper, screw drivers and an original ZW instruction sheet and a power strip with on/off button. When I replace my long lost pre war Z or V it will reside next to ZW. switch controllers  will stretch this arrangement horizontally.

MELGAR posted:

Arnold,

Are you available for transformer installations and wiring assistance???

MELGAR

Oh, Yes!

This thread inspired me to do something for the first time in 25 years: vacuum all the dust and debris in and about my transformers and Atlas switches.

I think what I did was a mistake. The dirt and debris is much more realistic. Just take a look at the right of way of real trains. 

Consolation prize: maybe the vacuuming will reduce my coughing. LOL, Arnold

Fendermain posted:

Mine are mounted close to the table top...I almost consider them part of the scenery.

Fendermain

Fendermain, Great looking layout, how about some more pics?

Steve

And under the control area...the accessory power area...

Rescued Trains posted:

Fendermain posted:

Mine are mounted close to the table top...I almost consider them part of the scenery.

Fendermain

Fendermain, Great looking layout, how about some more pics?

Steve

Thanks Steve for the comments.  Here are a couple shots...some areas are being modded a bit now.

Fendermain

Leroof posted:

Frank MOONSON, this is what's known as a STACK as in amplifier cabinets! a five stack! lol. very interesting.

Fendermain, showroom styling! so clear of obstruction and mayhem.  clean o clean machines, yeah buddy, but did you see the STACK?.

Arnold, all I can say is that its totally  fascinating that It Works so well! And folks, I have seen it run flawlessly in person!

Melgar, a great behind the scenes pictorial of the power tables.

cant send a photo, still at work.  my ZW is on an adjustable keyboard -X- stand with wooden computer keyboard shelf across, accompanied by track pliers, lubes, wire stripper, screw drivers and an original ZW instruction sheet and a power strip with on/off button. When I replace my long lost pre war Z or V it will reside next to ZW. switch controllers  will stretch this arrangement horizontally.

Leroof      The stack yes...quite an awesome display of power and imagination.  Jim Marshall would approve.

Fendermain

My layout uses a homemade brute force power supply and two TPC'c. They just sit off to the side.

I have the transformers on a cantilevered shelf.  Each one is connected to a panel in the fascia.  The rotary switches allow any of the four transformers to power any or all of the three routes.  The small power pack on the right is for the streetcar track.  The little box allows me to change from AC to DC on one of the transformers so I can run just about anything.  Sorry guys.  No TMCC or Legacy or DSC.  But Flyer Chief is fine.  My grandson LOVES it!

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Good topic, Paul.

Mine is hilarious. I had no idea what I was doing. I dreamed this nightmare up, but by some miracle, it works and I've never had a short because of this arrangement for over 20 years!

The top of the train table is about 15 inches higher than the Z4000 transformer.

LOL, Arnold

 

Arnold I thought I recognized your work.

Under the layout.   Click on the link for a slideshow.   Power has changed over the years.  

I have a mixture of locations. My Post War Super O layout has a separate lower attached table with the transformer and accessory controllers position lower than the table so the grandkids can control. My new, almost finished, Pre War layout has the transformer and switch controllers mounted on the table top. This was dictated by space limits and accessibility within the room. Smaller transformer is attached to the inside bench work frame to power the lights. 

Mike CT posted:

Under the layout.   

I'm still wiring my 1st stage, and I hope my under the layout power looks as good as yours when I'm done.   No visible transformers but a small power panel with my PSX-1AC LEDs and reset switches. Only handhelds, iPad, and phones for control on a small shelf.  

Fendermain posted:

Mine are mounted close to the table top...I almost consider them part of the scenery.

Fendermain

Fendermain,

I absolutely love your use of tinplate and post war items on your layout above. Thank you for sharing.

I have come to the conclusion that neat wiring is a product of a sick mind. (LOL)

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

MELGAR posted:

Arnold,

Are you available for transformer installations and wiring assistance???

MELGAR

Oh, Yes!

This thread inspired me to do something for the first time in 25 years: vacuum all the dust and debris in and about my transformers and Atlas switches.

I think what I did was a mistake. The dirt and debris is much more realistic. Just take a look at the right of way of real trains. 

Consolation prize: maybe the vacuuming will reduce my coughing. LOL, Arnold

 

Careful, Arnold ….. all that dirt, dust and debris may be a structural component by now !

Melvin P posted:

I have come to the conclusion that neat wiring is a product of a sick mind. (LOL)

This is an interesting thread, showing different ways people have approached the control issues. The Plywood Empire Route has standardized on PS3 SW1500s under DCS so the only transformer needed is a Z 1000 power brick which supplies 14VAC for track power and accessories;

The heavy red and black wires are busses. Wire nuts are used for all wiring connections and junctions. Simple, cheap, quick and pretty much bullet-proof.

Wiring on the Plywood Empire Route tends to be on the free-spirit end of the spectrum . Locomotive controls are pretty simple (on the outside-some nifty electronics in there).

A DCS Remote:

and it's IR receiver:

No central control panel or table at all:

Track switch, remote uncoupler and car-stopper controls are on mini-panels spread around where needed.

The bottom panel controls a Lionel electromagnetic gantry crane.

This is a small simple switching pike with a total of seven track switches, six car-stoppers and eleven remote-uncouplers. One locomotive suffices, hence the Remote Commander.

tncentrr posted:

Fendermain posted:

Mine are mounted close to the table top...I almost consider them part of the scenery.

Fendermain

Fendermain,

I absolutely love your use of tinplate and post war items on your layout above. Thank you for sharing.

tncentrr thanks for the vote of confidence.  It's a balancing act...colors and textures mater.

Fendermain

Melvin P posted:

I have come to the conclusion that neat wiring is a product of a sick mind. (LOL)

Melvin, Here's my sick mind. Please don't shoot me over this. Just trying to keep it lite-hearted.

My transformer is in the garage...….     I'm currently building my Christmas layout.

Mines on the right. The real one is on the left.

 Sorry, I couldn't help myself.

I have a suggestion (it worked for me):

I bought a piano bench with a flip-up top. I removed the top and use the bench for my transformer table. The legs are just short enough that it slides under the layout table to save space. These things come in a variety of widths X lengths. Get a bench for two players for more room if you need to.