Fast Fastrack/First Impressions

If the wall wart isn't getting hot, you should be okay. However if going past your current description I would upgrade.

I have the LC+ NW2 in a different road name and agree that they run great. You have a lot of action in that layout.

Keep us in the loop.

FasTrack is fast...

@ADCX Rob posted:

FasTrack is fast...

Now that is excellent. Very commendable. If I switch to Atlas for my permanent layout, think I might do the same thing with the Polar Express at the local assisted living. I'm sure they would love it.

He warmed up to it tonight before bedtime. I was hoping the LionChief app settings would "stick" (specifically the maximum speed) but when using the remote, I think warp returns as an option. Will be switching to iPhone control tomorrow.

I've found some Lionel freight cars for sale with "freight sounds" that have the Electro-Couplers. I think those might come in handy when working switching puzzles. Anyone have experience with these? If they work as well as the ones on the locomotives, it'll be worth it.

@JackO posted:

I also have one of Lionel's electromagnetic uncouplers and I plan on getting 3 or 4 more. The instructions say it will run on track power. Since I won't be using more than one at a time, am I okay just using track power?

More than anything it was just fun to operate.

Be careful about the uncouplers.  From the uncoupling track owner's manual:  "Be sure that your throttle is set to 10-12 volts (AC) to activate the magnet."

IIRC, the wall power supply that comes with the Polar Express (and other LionChief sets) provides 18VDC.  So, unless you use a conventional AC transformer that you can adjust to within the 10-12 volt range, you cannot operate the uncoupler per the manual's specs.

@PGentieu posted:

Be careful about the uncouplers.  From the uncoupling track owner's manual:  "Be sure that your throttle is set to 10-12 volts (AC) to activate the magnet."

IIRC, the wall power supply that comes with the Polar Express (and other LionChief sets) provides 18VDC.  So, unless you use a conventional AC transformer that you can adjust to within the 10-12 volt range, you cannot operate the uncoupler per the manual's specs.

Thanks for the heads up. I hope I didn't "cook" it already. I'll check it out tomorrow.

I use the 14VAC terminals on a Z-1000 brick for both DCS track power and accessory power. I have (10) Fastrack remote uncouplers that see repeated use (switching Pike) in every operating session and I've had no issues in four years. I couldn't speak to 18VAC though.

I have melted an uncoupler using 18vac. It was happy with 12-14vac l. I ended up with separate wall wort because I don’t own any transformers.

The manual specifically calls for AC for the uncoupling magnet.  The Lion Chief power supply  is DC.   

I have used 18 volts for over 13 years and never had an issue with uncouplers.  I think what the manual is referring to is that the uncouplers need a MINIMUM of 10-12 volts to operate properly.

The uncoupling buttons are notorious for sticking on. Even 12 to 14 volts will melt things when that happens. I replaced all mine with automotive push buttons and eliminated the problem.  

FWIW, I recommend a PTC in series with the uncoupling voltage, that will prevent a stuck button (or a stuck finger) from activating the magnet too long and melting it.

John,  Which PTC do you recommend?  Thanks, Pat B.

I miss the Good Old Days back in the early 1950s when even a kid could run electric trains withour the fear of being electrocuted...LOL

Fast track is much better track system than the old tin type track that AM used in the 50s, 60s 70s and so on .  The power distribution is much more even and not as many additional feeder wires are needed.  The rails are more scale and have a better over all appearance.   Over all I feel it is a great improvement.

@lpb007 posted:

John,  Which PTC do you recommend?  Thanks, Pat B.

Any of these should do the trick.  The key is to not allow excessive current to flow for any significant period of time to the coil.

Link to PTC's for uncoupling tracks

My chief engineer has gone home with his Mom and Dad. Before he left, we had the Polar Express on board and ran both trains simultaneously. The power supply handled it with no problems at all. It was a lot of fun and there were a lot of lessons learned. Just like when I was his age, you just have to see how fast it will go. The permanent layout will have guard rails. We managed to keep them from going over the edge, but we got close a couple of times.

Got some hard decisions to make. Not sure retirement income is going to be compatible with a large O gauge layout.

With a little creativity, you can actually do a decent sized O-gauge layout for very little money.  You just have to temper your expectations.  Used tubular track is readily available, and 022 switches are a dime a dozen.  Not everyone has to spend thousands for a layout, you can extract a lot of enjoyment out of a few hundred dollars.