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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

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The LW should run any loco fine,assuming it is in proper order.. Not sure what the 7794 is but if it has cruse control it will run slower at a given voltage. 

 

As far as accessories you can run a few off of it,not too many and depending on what they are. 

 

The lockons are OK,I would put a third one o the other side,just to even out the voltage drop. 

 

The 2055 will tend to start off fast. You can alter the loco a bit (install a bridge rectifier in the engine and run on DC) or find a transformer that starts at less voltage. You cant go too low because you have to cycle the E unit. 

 

I would stay with the LW,or maybe find a CW if you want modern and don't run MTH locos. Opinions will vary. 

 

I see this is your first post so,don't be afraid to ask questions.

 

Dale H

Last edited by Dale H

Hey Dale,

 

Thank you for your response.

 

http://www.lionel.com/products...neID=&CatalogId=

 

There is a link to the 7794. I am not sure about the cruise control, it may be a feature of something that I don't have. I have not been able to purchase anything like the Legacy Command Base or CAB, and honestly don't know if it works with the trains that I have. 

 

If I put just the tender for the 7794 on the track and move it back and forth slowly I am able to hear the sound that I am aiming for, I just can't seem to get the train to go slow enough when applying power through the LW.

 

Video of what I am meaning:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kww-P8MWlcM

 

Now I realize that the engine in the video above is far more expensive than the one I own, but is that why it is able to go slow enough for those desired sounds? Or is it just using a transformer or command set that is able to provide more finely tuned voltage?

 

I will look in to the bridge rectifier that you mentioned for the 2055, I will have to try and find some videos or manuals because I honestly am not sure exactly what that does.

 

Thanks,

Chris

Chris

 

I misunderstood. I thought you were complaining about the 2055. The 7794 does not have cruse I think but it does have a can motor. It will respond differently than the 2055. Since it is new,it may be tight,try lubing it.

To make it start slower,you can do the diode trick,space allowing. Explained here

 

LINK

 

If the 7794 is loose and running right and power is distributed evenly around the CLEAN track,rollers and wheels,you can get it to creep pretty slow. My track loops are 200 + feet of track and I solder connections and distribute feeders so that at a low voltage (voltage depends on engine type) the engine creeps around the loop pretty well without stalling. Actually that is how I check the track. Nothing works as well as cruise but you can get it pretty good.

 

The 2055 has a "pullmore" type motor. The diode trick would work in it but it is hard to install because space is a problem inside. A bridge can run the motor on DC and it runs a bit smoother that way. I think you also have to cut a ground connection so it is more involved. Having said that if maintained the 2055 will run a long time and very well..

 

Dale H

The diode/br trick works ok.

 

If you insist on creeping, Electronic Railroads tmcc convertions might be in your future.

 

The LW is the strongest PW single train transformer Lionel made at 125W.

 I think it could pull off running tmcc well enough.

Accessories should be ok too.

 If you see performance suffer, or lights dimming too much when using accessories, a small supply to supplement it would be nice. 

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