Hey everyone,
I just started up a new layout and needed some guidance on powering what I have, and keeping in mind for the future. As it stands I am working on a 4' x 8' table, and have future plans to add an additional 4' x 8' table. I laid out all the track based on the plan that I came up with in AnyRail (Picture included) and gave it a test go. At first I only had one lock-on and was experiencing some power drop the farther away that I got. I added an additional lock-on (both lock-ons are represented by the red x's on the picture) and it seemed to run better but I am not sure if there is a better way for me to have it setup. Perhaps it could be done better?
Currently I have 2 engines, a Postwar Lionel 2055 and a newer Lionel 7794, running on a Postwar LW Transformer. I only plan on having one train run at a time currently because I am just not setup for a multi run layout. I am curious as to what transformer I should keep an eye out for to make the newer 7794 run smoother. I would like to be able to get the full experience of the slow startup with the chuffing sounds, but the LW just doesn't seem to have precious enough power control. Preferably I will end up getting one new transformer that can accomplish both the slow startup for the 7794, and still supply the necessary power for the 2055 to make sure that it runs smoothly when used.
Right now I don't have any additional accessories on the layout (lights, crossings, etc) but I would like to add a crossing signal in at some point, perhaps in the expansion area indicated on the diagram. When that time comes will I want to run the accessories on a separate power setup, or is it ok to run it all from the transformer?
Just as a quick recap of the main questions at hand (I am sure there will be more):
1. Will the way I have the Lock-ons setup work, or is there a better more efficient way that I should change to?
2. What transformer could I get to allow slow startup for the 7794, while still providing support for the 2055 when I run it?
3. Can I power accessories on the same transformer from the previous question, or should they be run on their own separate supply?
I really appreciate any help and guidance that you all can provide.
Thanks,
Chris
