Window Display Questions

I THINK Lionel used to run the display layouts in four hour shifts with two sets of trains.  At the four hour mark a service man would pull the first set and then lube/oil/check brushes while second set was running.  Repeat till closing.

Can you set up a motion sensor to "read" if anyone is in the window.  If the sensor has a 10-15 minute trip you could save on the wear and tear.  Not sure if the display is doing much if there is no one to see it.

Never underestimate the heat generated in a sunny window.  If the CW is in the window it might be over heating.  The IR sensor might also be tripped by reflected light and causing the accessory to run more often then desired.

The IR was setting going off at first due to outside light, so I moved it and turned it way down. I then had to move an Orange 6464 boxcar to the front since the engine wouldn't trigger it.

Might have to rotate engines more often than I planned, I was hoping to do it weekly

I'd go with a 681 reproduction from WBB or other similar can motor-equipped locomotive.  They draw less amps than the postwar equivalent and run cooler overall whereas the old-style universal motors tend to heat up rather quickly (and draw more amps in the process) in comparison to today's can motors.  That might be a good start.

I agree with John. Choo Choo Barn runs Williams for the same reason.

Yea finding a new engine will be one the list if I do this next year. Problem was she is an antique store and really wanted a 1950 authentic display. There is even a sign in the window saying its a 1951 engine

Right now we are unseasonably warm (High 60's) we are dropping into the 40's by Friday, hoping that helps cool the display case down.

May try to sneak in the engine from the PE set soon and hope she doesn't notice

How bout a pic of the display? 

Pics soon, it's not much right now, it was literally a Wednesday night idea that was put into place on Friday.

But I am already sketching out ideas for next year If I do this again. I am hoping to lift it up on a raised platform so I can secure things better and hide wires. The area is only as wide as a O-36 loop. The loop touches the glass on both long sides.

Good call above on using a Williams piece. Can motors are the way to go for a display layout that will see a lot of use.

Ditch the CW80. I am a big proponent of the Z1000. I have used them for a few years now in command and conventional display set-ups with no issues. I ran a lighted passenger train with sound along with a rotary beacon and oil derrick for three hours straight and thing barely got warm.

What she won't know won't hurt her. 

Using reproductions is very commonplace on public display layouts.  Even the large Standard Gauge tinplate layout in the upper level of the California State Railroad museum uses reproductions because of more efficient operations, not just to reduce wear & tear on originals.  They would be hard-pressed to find anybody in the general public who would even notice.

If it looks like a duck...

I'm certain that if you explain the circumstances to her, she will agree to run a new locomotive. The problem seems to be the heat from the window and the warm weather. If colder weather arrives you could try the 681 again.

You could run a Williams Berkshire, too.