I have a layout being enlarged to 16’ x 30’ plus an 8’ x 4’ yard. I only run Lionel Legacy and have no intention of running conventional. I have had power issues and have brought in some help to redo my wiring properly and add power. I am presently running the layout with a ZW-L in two power districts. The plan is to have four, five or maybe six power districts. The suggestion is for me to buy two or more ZW-Ls to add additional power but I have seen layouts where Lionel 180 watt PowerHouse Power Supply are used. I would like some advice as to which would be a better alternative for me. Thanks
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What is the "All Stop" situation if running bricks instead of ZW-L (or ZW-C)? I'm thinking that with Legacy alone, the engines stop but the power does not. Is that true and is that a problem in an emergency?
Per @gunrunnerjohn's suggestion, I just bought some of these for All Stop. Each device can handle up to 15Amps on the 120Volt side. Plug in a power strip into one and the transformers into the power strip. Keep the remote in your pocket. The bottom right button turns off all of the devices at once.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod...02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I especially like these because the remotes use 2x AAA batteries.
To the original question, if you're only running command control and not conventional, the Powerhouse 180 bricks are probably the better alternative. They have faster circuit breakers, more consistent output voltage* and are less expensive per output watt.
* ZW-L has an output current limiter that reduces output voltage when its maximum output wattage is exceeded.
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As Steve mentioned if it’s strictly command you really only need the PH brick. Unless you like to be able to control the voltage from the remote.
to cjacks comment a press of the system halt with the ZW-L or a legacy PM in they system will kill track power. If you go to bricks then that will only just tell the locomotives to stop.
personally I like the look and feel of a ZW-L but it’s hard to ignore the simplicity of a simple brick or even a brick and a PM. Since you already have 1 ZW-L I would probably just get another if needed that way everything matches but that’s just me.
I appreciate all of your responses. Zachariah's response made me realize I did not ask the right question. I am trying to decide if I should use one or more additional ZW-Ls or the 180 Watt PoweHouse Power Supply (not Powermaster). Thanks