Wiring for accessories

Jushavnfun posted:

This is the 1st time of wired forks eseries and I have a 90' bus line running through my train layout where I can connect everything on to one line And have it run by one transformer.

Or should I split it up into different sections for lighting for street lights, lighting for buildings,  lighting for running accessories And run them off a separate transformers. 

Your help will be appreciated.

 

IMO all accessories are not the same.  They operate best on different voltages.  I like to have a few voltages available for lights, accessories, PW accessories, and so forth.

The PW accessories often require more voltage to operate properly.  Modern accessories work well with lower voltages.  Street lights and house lights may want a different look with lower voltage feeding the house.  This could be done with different bulbs as well.

For all my accessories, I setup (2) 10 volt feeds, (2) 12 volt feeds, and (1) 14 volt feed.  Like MartE said, different voltage for different accessories.  For the modern issue oil drum loader, even 10 volts was too much.  I had to add 2 diodes in line to it to drop the power another volt or so so it would run at the perfect speed.  Accessories like the Tugboat and Backshop, I run at 14 volts so the smoke output works well.

THANKS for the suggestion now I k ow what to do

Another thing to keep in mind is power drain (amps). You don't want to overload your power source. You can measure total current by placing an ammeter in series with the power line or as I do since I have a MTH Z4000 - temporarily connect one tap as the power source, turn on everything and see what current is being drawn on the built in meter.

Joe

I picked up several PowerHouse 135 transformers cheap a while back.  Since I already have two Lionel Accessory Voltage Controllers and a modern ZW Controller I'm not using, I plan to use them to provide up to 6 accessory power taps with completely adjustable voltage.  I was going to use 7 conductor 14 gauge trailer wire (6 for hot, one common) around the layout but now think it may be too hard to remove the wire insulation as needed for suitcase connections to the accessory.  I've seen 2 or 3 conductor wire that do not have a sheath over them, just twisted together.  I think running a few of those would be better.  Or I could just run separate wires and tie them together every few feet.  Unfortunately, adding accessories is still months away.