Hi Everyone,
I am building a new layout that is approximately 24.5 x 10.5. It is a 2 track oval mainline with a few sidings, engine terminal, and industry. I have never built a full layout so I am at a bit of a loss when it comes to wiring.
I have an MTH Z-4000 transformer. I originally wanted to use DCS but now with the uncertainty of MTH I will be using Lionel Legacy. I intend to run everything in Command mode. My plan was to use the two outputs of the Z-4000 to control Main 1 and Main 2 via a bus wire from each output. I was going to purchase another power supply, maybe a Lionel 180watt powerhouse, to control the engine house and industry. I am using Atlas track and will use Tortoise Switch machines with Lionel ASC2. I also plan to use the Lionel Block Power Controller so that I can power down sidings etc.
I have a few questions around the wiring itself. Do I need a surge protector, circuit breaker, TVS, terminal block or any other similar items? If so, how should those items be applied?
Also, can I just run one wire from the Z-4000 output to power the track using suitcase connectors for the bus? Do I need a circuit breaker or TVS attached to the output? Should the wire first go to a terminal block?
What power supply should I get for powering the track sidings? Do I need another power supply to power tortoise switch motors, or will the 10v and 14v outputs from the Z-4000 suffice?
I know there are a lot of questions. Any help is appreciated. Thank you in advance.
- Jack
