What Do I Need?

Lots of $$$...

Mark in Oregon

-Power (since you are planning on using Legacy and Flyerchief): Go with Lionel 180W Powerhouse bricks and maybe Powermasters if you want to operate conventional AF locos.

-Switches: Lionel makes AF Fastrack Remote/Command switches, but if you want, Lionel SC2s or ASC2s will work for switch control.

-Accessories: Use any transformer for the buildings, just make sure you don't exceed the max amperage. Do your buildings have incandescent or LED bulbs? That will dictate what you will need to power the lights. Uncoupling/Operating tracks will use a lot less power so a small AC power supply will be sufficient. ASC2s can run 8 lighted accessories.

-If you decide to use LCS ASC2s, you will also need the LCS Cabling. LCS Wi-fi, an I-pad, and the LCS App are optional. Plus the Lionchief App will work on an I-pad or smart phone too.

Thanks, Dylan. So I don't need a ZW-L transformer, Command Base & CAB-2 Remote Controller?

First, reread what Strummer said. From that point on make it as simple as possible. The simplest solution is a legacy 990 command base and a ZW-L. This allows running engines in conventional, Legacy engines in command mode and FlyerChief engines. The ZW-L has four Powermasters built into it, and can be found new for between $600 and $700. I use two of them on my layout, best decision I made. If you want, the LCS WiFi unit can be added. This allows pairing iPhones and iPads for engine and layout operation, but taking this step is optional. To clarify, without a 990 Legacy base or the newer TMCC base 1L, the Legacy engines cannot be run in command mode.

The reason many O gaugers use the separate Powermasters is they are using both DCS and Legacy. The individual Powermasters work better with the DCS equipment. In S gauge you will not be using DCS.

277 feet of track is substantial. You will need more than one power district. The ZW-L provides up to four. You will also need some blocks that can be turned on and off within each power district if you want conventional engines on the layout when operating command controlled engines. My layout has 700' of track, it is divided into eight power districts but that is probably more than absolutely necessary. I have about 20 blocks within the power districts, I control them with BPC-2's. A simple on-off switch works and is cheaper and easier. I use BPC-2's because the layout has the LCS with iPad control, no physical controls of any kind.

Seems like that much Fastrack would be VERY expensive; as usual, I would recommend using Gargraves track with Ross turnouts (switches)...my 2 cents.

Mark in Oregon

Thanks Strummer. I don’t mind the cost. I’m spending my ungrateful children's inheritance. 🙂

Strummer, Ross does not make S gauge turnouts. It would sure be nice if they did. GarGraves makes an S gauge turnout but only 20"R. Better to use Gilbert turnouts with GarGraves track. If not then buy 5" adapter sections and use Lionel FasTrack turnouts.

When I think about the track, take a look at the layout Chuck has built with Lionel S gauge FasTrack. With some ballasting his FasTrack looks better than GarGraves will look. The GarGraves rail on their S gauge track is identical to what they use for O gauge. GarGraves looks pretty good on an O gauge layout but the rail is too high for S. Just my personal opinion.

Since you say you will run high rail, you might also want to look at American Models track.  When I built my "new layout", I looked at the options and decided on the  AM track. Yes it is brass and the hardcore don't like it but it worked for me.

Yes I spent some of my kid's inheritance.

@AlastairL-C posted:

Thanks Strummer. I don’t mind the cost. I’m spending my ungrateful children's inheritance. 🙂

Looks like you already have; that's a nice looking guitar! 🙂

Mark in Oregon

Thanks Strummer. That’s my Gibson L-5. Great jazz box but I prefer playing my (much cheaper) Epiphone Sheraton ll Pros.

@AmFlyer posted:

When I think about the track, take a look at the layout Chuck has built with Lionel S gauge FasTrack. With some ballasting his FasTrack looks better than GarGraves will look. The GarGraves rail on their S gauge track is identical to what they use for O gauge. GarGraves looks pretty good on an O gauge layout but the rail is too high for S. Just my personal opinion.

Here's a video from my channel that will show you what Tom is referring to....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDktULNZ8Mc

Second time I saw that video with the Legacy Berkshire sporting a Kadee coupler. It is the first time I noticed the welding underway in the Texaco garage.

@AlastairL-C posted:

Thanks Strummer. That’s my Gibson L-5. Great jazz box but I prefer playing my (much cheaper) Epiphone Sheraton ll Pros.

I believe that's very similar to the guitar in my "avatar" photo. As good as the Gibson 335 I had...

Mark in Oregon

I noticed that. Yes, very similar. I think they’re better than 335s (and cheaper!).