Trainmaster Command Set (6-12969) and Powerhouse PH-1 (6-12866)

George GilliganOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I'm setting up a relatively small layout with the above for power. I have 8 Lionel switches powered by a separate transformer. I bought the above new in 1995 and have just now begun to do the layout and use them. My question is; what is the proper way to connect the Trainmaster to the track? It has only one terminal, the U terminal and the input plug from it's power source. A second question is; with the PH-1 as power, can I also use a Powermaster (which is new) and connect the PH-1 into the Powermaster and then connect the Powermaster to the Trainmaster, U terminal to U terminal? With the PH-1 as a power source, would I need to use a separate transformer for the 8 switches or can I use the PH-1 to supply all the power to the voltage plugs thru the track? As you can see I'm strictly a novice when it comes to anything electrical. Any recomendations or suggestions would be appreciated in how to power the the layout.

George

3/8/166:22 AM

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CAPPilotOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Plug the PH-1 into the PowerMaster, and then connect the PowerMaster to the track. The TrainMaster will be totally separate. Connect the U terminal of the TrainMaster to the outside rail of your track. I would use a separate power supply for the switches. Power them up at the same time via power strip and enjoy your trains.

3/8/167:22 AM

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George GilliganOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

CAPPILOT:

Thanks for your quick reply. I just changed to the configuration you suggested, however, I don't have power to the track so far. I have an empty terminal on the Powermaster, the A terminal. Should there be something connected to that terminal?

Thanks again,

George

3/8/168:26 AM

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Nick12DMCOGR Forum Member

Powermaster A terminal connects to centre rail.

Nick

3/8/168:42 AM

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George GilliganOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Hi Nick:

I made the change. I now have the U terminal on the Powermaster empty and no power to the track. Puzzled!

George

3/8/168:55 AM

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Nick12DMCOGR Forum Member

Powermaster U terminal connects to outside rail.

Nick

3/8/169:06 AM

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CAPPilotOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Nick,

Here is a diagram that may help.

For the PowerMaster (provides variable power to the trains from the PH-1): The U terminal goes to the outside rail, the A terminal goes to the inside rail.

For the TrainMaster (provides TMCC signal only to control trains, no power): The U terminal goes to the outside rail.

The fuse and TVS are in the circuit for adding protection to the engines. I would recommend the fuse since the CB in the PH-1 is not that fast. Hope this helps.