mattrain posted:I've been considering picking up a CW-80 for accessories on my layout - should I look elsewhere? I'm currently using a postwar Type 1053 which doesn't have a circuit breaker built-in. I like the idea of using a small transformer with a voltage controller so I can step down the voltage from the fixed 18V the Z-1000 or a PowerHouse brick puts out - thoughts?
You can find smaller Marx & Lionel transformers for almost nothing at shows. External breakers and TVS diodes are not that expensive and gives you variable pure sine wave AC for your accessories. You can chain a number of them up with common ground wiring and power many accessories dialed right in.
You can also go big with large transformers like the classic ZW or the modern Z4000 that have multiple voltage taps, but they can be pricier.
