Accessory Transformer - recommendation please | O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum

BandoMNOGR Forum Member

I don't understand electronics as well as I should so I am looking for help here.

I have a primarily MTH layout (Realtrax) with about 100' of mainline and 150' of other trackage. I have two power districts, one powered by a Z1000, the other by a Z750, isolated from each other.

I typically have:
6 locomotives,
7 lighted cabooses,
18 passenger cars on the track at the same time and
16 Realtrax remote switches
split roughly equally between these two districts.

I have no power problems until I attach the following accessories to the accessory terminals on the Z1000:
MTH operating fire house
6 lighted Lionel/MTH/K-line buildings (average 3 bulbs per building)
4 Pennsy style 7-light signals.

I don't expect ever to need to add either locos, rolling stock or switches since the layout is at capacity. I will be adding lots more lighted accessories and buildings

I figure I should be able to run the accessories and signals on a separate transformer so they don't place competing loads against the rest of the layout.

Am I right in assuming the following I can buy a cheap 100W DC transformer to run the accessories instead of spending over $100 on another Z1000?

What do you recommend please?

Thanks for your help.

8/29/118:33 PM

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Original Post

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pdxtrainsOGR Forum Member

My LHS has those cheap Bachman transformers that come with HO sets. They sell them used for $3. I have a few of them running building lights on the DC that I can dial up and down,and accessory on the AC fixed side. They work great and are a cheap solution.

8/29/118:41 PM

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Ron SOGR Forum Member

The animated accessories will not operate on DC they have to have AC. Any starter set transformer makes a good accessory transformer. I have several CW-80s that I am planning to use as accessory power. the advantage to this setup is that I can group together like items that require highger voltage to operate properly. I also like to lump my building lights together so I can back the voltage down a little to increase the bulb life and they also look better with a little yellowish tint. I hope thios helps.
Ron

8/29/118:59 PM

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MitchOGR Forum Member

BandoMN, you can get a new Z1000 many different places on line for under $80. I'd get one and use it for main power, and then switch the Z750 to accessory power.

Short of that, a CW80 or Z1000 on E-bay might be the way to go.

8/29/119:09 PM

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BandoMNOGR Forum Member

Many thanks for your help and suggestions.

8/30/116:15 AM

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TonyGG1OGR Forum Member

Another idea is to use a postwar KW. I doubt I'll ever add enough to it to overload it as my layout isn't that large. But by using it for accessorys of any kind and keeping my Z4000 for strictly running trains, I know I always have extra power with both units.

Tony Sincius
TCA# 97-45101

8/30/117:12 AM

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Choo Choo CharlieOGR Forum Member

Try looking outside the box. Look for yard lighting ac transformers preferably at garage sales, classified ads, Craigslist. Post ads for transformers wanted too. I picked up heavy duty 16 volt transformers and removed secondary wire turns to give me 12v for lights one and 14v for switches for the other. I added 6 amp circuit breakers for protection with 12v bulb across the CB to indicate when the breaker threw.

Appliance transformers will work too, from air conditioners and other control systems that use contactors.

Old train transformers are of coarse good and other 12v units from Radio S. etc but they are limited to 3 amp. Search ebay and google for 12v ac transformers too. I use my three LW trans for trains only and single voltage transformers for accessories and lights etc.

Charlie

8/30/119:53 PM

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ron mOGR Forum Member

Do a google for 12vac 10a transformers. You'll find all kinds, at prices under $25. For years I've use filament (remember vacuum tubes?) transformers for my light circuits.

Ron M

8/31/1111:55 AM

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Smoke Stack LightninOGR Forum Member

Accessories can gobble up a decent amount of power. I have a small layout, but a fair amount of yard lights, tower lights, signals, etc. and my best solution was an old KW. Radio Shack sells commuter strips and jumper strips at a reasonable price. I ran one side of the KW to a higher voltage strip, and one side to a lower voltage strip and adjusted the KW's throttle handles accordingly. I've got power to spare and very happy! I initially tried the small HO type transformers and stopped the insanity when six of them wouldn't do the trick, and still having to put up with the breakers activating due to their over-heating.

Regarding the CW-80; I recall trying one for lighted accesories and they would flicker. I think that was due to the chopped wave pattern, but maybe someone else can clarify.

Stack

8/31/1112:36 PM

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Mark440OGR Forum Member

I work in an IT dept, and we also handle all the cell phones for the business unit. A fellow hobbyist stops by every few weeks to pick up all the cell phone chargers for the phones going to disposal....and he uses them on his layout. They are small, and he says they are great for modularizing lighting power.

8/31/114:44 PM

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Arthur P. BloomOGR Forum Member

quote:
The animated accessories will not operate on DC they have to have AC.

I have many animated accessories that operate on DC, in fact, some of them operate better on DC.

Are you referring to the ones with the vibrating platforms, like the cattle car and the barrel car?

8/31/115:02 PM

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G3750OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

BandoMN:

Check out the K-Line Powerchief 120F. This accessory transformer has fixed taps for a number of voltage settings and can be had for around $50. Call Justrains in Newark, DE. They may still have a few. That's where I got the 2 I am using.

One is going to run building lights (future). The other is currently powering 21 DZ-2500A switch machines, 2 MTH 11030 PRR signal bridges, and 4 DZ-1060 PRR position signals. No sweat.

George

9/1/111:15 PM

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Mike MauriceOGR Forum Member

Thanks PDX,

I also have similar problems and am looking for a cheap solution to power the house lights and street lights on my layout. Now I won't have a perpetual power outage on my layout at night!

Mike Maurice

9/1/112:17 PM

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Charlesp34OGR Forum Member

Okay, I will throw in my two cents too! I use Lionel's accessory transformer for lights and accessories.

P.S. My transformer is connected to an outlet controlled by a wall switch.

9/1/112:55 PM

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Len2OGR Forum Member

I use an Atlas-O 30 Watt Transformer (PN 1000030) for accessory power. It has a 0-14VAC variable output, On/Off switch, power indicator, and overload indicator.

The Lionel Accessory Transformer is ok, but lacks the On/Off switch. Which can be a pain when the outlet is under the table or behind the Christmas tree.

9/1/113:22 PM

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Dominic MazochOGR Forum Member

Some places have, like Fry's, have varible DC power packs. For none vibrating items, that might be great>

9/1/114:48 PM

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FredstrainsOGR Forum Member

I use (2) TYPE Z, 250 Watt Transformers on my Layout to power most of my Accessories. I have been using them for years with good success. There are still some around for a reasonable price. If you are interested I can give you a good contact for these.

Fredstrains

9/5/1110:51 AM

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gunrunnerjohnOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I bought a Type V on eBay for $12, and several 1033's for even less, those are the ones that are pressed into service for accessories and switches.

9/5/117:52 PM

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MIKATT1OGR Forum Member

Mark440 has the right idea , do you know how many old cell phone chargers and ac adaptors are just thrown away?! I've used a bunch on my layout with no dimming or blinking of lights that arn't supposed to blink . Just make sure you don't put too much on each power supply.

9/5/118:29 PM

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G3750OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

I have a question. In the link below are a number of 12VAC wall-wart type transformers with varying milliAmps. What value is optimal for accessories (generally) or does that not matter?

http://www.jameco.com/1/3/wall-transformer-12vac

Thanks,

George

9/16/149:21 AM

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TrainLarryOGR Forum Member

The more current available, the more items can be hooked to it. For the price of one of those, you can get an old train transformer with double the current capacity, and be able to vary it to suit your needs. Get them at train shows or online auctions.

Larry

9/16/1412:58 PM

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FredstrainsOGR Forum Member

Originally Posted by Fredstrains:

I addition, the "Z" has four OUTPUTS. Each one can be adjusted to match the best Operating Voltage for the individual Accessories. / 6 VOLTS up to 18 VOLTS / I usually test each Accessory before I install it on my Layout. When I find the BEST Operating Voltage for a new Accessory, I put a small TAG with the VOLTAGE written on it, then install it on the Layout. That way when I decide to wire it up, I can use the correct output from my "Z"............ .Just a suggestion!!!

FREDSTRAINS

9/17/141:36 PM

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