Transformer Placement / Shelf

This is early on in construction. It houses the Z4000, ZW-C with 4 bricks, Legacy base, TMCC Cab1 base, 2 TIU's, and everything is plug into the same outlet strip with a master switch. 1 switch turns on everything at the same time, and it works. It's all hidden behind the black skirt now. Once the layout is up and running, there is no reason to access this stuff, unless we have an "oops" and need to reset the breakers.

Putting something like that on casters would make it a lot easier to make all of the layout connections and then roll it back under the train table.

You'll be making changes and additions in your process, so consider that too.

All with bricks under the layout. Handheld Cab1 control

Lancer,

    I set up my power station in 2 different ways, depending on whether the layout is going to be permanent for many years or whether it's going to be a seasonal Christmas layout. 

PCRR/Dave

The power station to the permanent layout is usually set up with both hands on visual transformers on the 1st level, with the DCS TIU for train operations, and the lower transformer level, usually has one ZW & one KW that are permanently set at the voltage I require for running switches & accessories, you can see some the upper level power station in the 1st picture below. In the 2nd & 3rd pictures, for the Christmas layout this year, we built a roll away power station for under the Christmas platform, done correctly this really works out very well.

PCRR/Dave

Lance,

On my previous layout, I did not have a lot of aisle room so I made a sliding shelf for the Z4K and fold-under for other controls. It was not difficult to make and worked fine.

This picture shows the 'other side' of the small control panel folded under the layout. 

Z4K stored position

Deployed for use

Good luck!

Alex

I built the power / transformer section along the side of the base layer and under the 2nd & 3rd levels. I wired a switch that controls multiple outlets for these to plug into along the edge facing inward, from a line that comes across the ceiling and down along the basement support pillar and under the train layout.

I went with another approach in mounting the TIU.

Since I wanted to easily remove it, I used alum rods from a rocket set and drilled holes into tongue depressors to hold them. Then used a chop stick to secure it.

Personally I like the convenience of having the transformers separately mobile , mostly because everything including our displays have to be mobile to accommodate our limited amount of space. Plus it makes access for changes in power distribution and control easier when you can move everything around.

However if you're thinking about building a cart for under the layout be sure the base is large enough so it won't tip over when you kick it out of your way and it comes to an abrupt stop because one of the wheels hits an obstruction such as a screw. The carts can become top heavy and tip easily if this isn't taken into consideration during the design phase.

I learned this lesson the hard way.

Lance,

Plenty of great ideas above. I think this really depends on how you plan to operate the layout. If you plan on always using DCS or TMCC/Legacy then you can have your transformers and other components hidden. I would recommend that you follow the advice to have it either on casters or on a pull out drawer for maintenance and adding to your layout.

I built my layout so that I can run it either by TMCC or full conventional control. In the first picture is my control panel which has 2 CW80s for running the mainlines. The whole layout is divided into electrical blocks and is run by cab control using the switches in the centre. That panel also holds the switches for all of my turnouts and switches for accessories. Beneath the layout is my TMCC command base, another CW80 which powersall the turnouts and accessories and a power bar for single switch turn on of the layout main level.

In the second photo is the CW80 which controls the elevated line. Underneath the layout is a powermaster so I can control the elevated line with my CAB1. Another power bar on that side powers the elevated line.

This system works well to allow me to switch between TMCC and conventional control. I usually do conventional control when my 10yr old son has his buddies over. Despite their love of handheld electronics, they seem to enjoy comtrolling the trains with the transformer handles.

Jay in Ottawa

Z4000 on top runs the two main lines.  A Z1000 power brick located on the self below (kinda hard to see) runs the mountain loop.  The Z4000 on the bottom self handles all the lighting on the layout.

Mine is on a TV cart that rolls under the layout when not in use. 20 bucks at Wally World.

No room up top.

Cart from Mianne, comes with casters and I had them include a lower shelf with it. Matches the bench work. I believe it was 12"x30", the space is consumed rather quickly!

It was just by dumb luck that I found a box of 'MIXER LIFT" hardware at the local thrift store. Not being familiar with them, it took me a minute to figure out it allows you to put your kitchen mixer, or in my case two ZW's side by side on a shelf that can be lowered down and out of the way under the layout while still remaining level. I've been checking a few websites to see who sells them and can report that they ARE NOT CHEAP.  Here's an example that also shows how it works:

http://www.tool-rank.com/tool-...u-shop-201205251205/

(Sorry, I don't know how to attach an active link; please copy and paste)

The hinge support hardware is the secret and may be available cheaper somewhere else.  While they are designed to fit inside a standard kitchen cabinet, the supports are separate and can be made as wide as needed.  Hard the beat the $20 TV cart, though.

FJ

Do it yourself" kit for 2 of carts.  These carts hide behind the table skirting and are easy roll out for inspection and wiring.

One shelving unit with 5 shelves will make 2 carts.  Two units with total of 10 shelves will make 5 carts.  I also use carts for storage under train tables.

Kit for 2 carts:

*1  36 in. W x 72 in. H x 18 in. D 5-Shelf Plastic Ventilated Storage Shelving Unit

*4   2 in. Swivel Non-Marking Rubber Caster

*1 Roll    16.5-Gauge Rebar Tie Wire

Unused bookcases do fine......

Peter

When I was 100% command control, I just kept everything on an ugly old table under the layout. 

Now that I'm 100% conventional control, I built a little shelf along the front of the layout. It is not that great and could probably use another bracket or two for more stability but for now, it works and I'm too lazy to go to Home Depot and get another bracket to fully secure it. 

I went with a control panel of sorts ...

Can you tell me more about the Mianne cart? Couldn't find anything on their web site. My latest layout was built with Mianne bench work. Thanks.

I like looking at the various styles of control panels almost as much as looking at the layouts themselves. 

While I am a fan of Command control, it's still nice to see a traditional arrangement of transformer, switch controllers, buttons, etc.

Also, the quality of the wiring job that some of you guys do is approaching a fine art level!

Shelf with drawing of the layout. 

Here's my old set-up, I built a shelf on large drawer slides that I could neatlyslide under the layout when not is use.

This is what I am using for my new layout, it's a computer cabinet I picked up unfinished at an estate sale for $50.00!!  The best part is both shelves slide out for access, I lowered the first slide out shelf to accommodate my KW's and I can fit 4 of them.  I'm going to use the top as a base of a control panel with the lower shelves hiding all of the transformers.

Paul

Command control may allow transformers to be hidden or under the layout.

But traditional control will work best along side the layout.  In my case I located one control panel near the turntable that it operates via a crank and clothes dryer belt.  It is also helpful to be close to allow a finger assist when needed.

Three LWs operate trains only.  Three 12v trans are for lights and one 14v for switches only and they are bolted under the layout, out of the way.  The all have re-setable circuit breakers on the control panels with light to indicate when tripped.

Charlie

I was wrong about the size it's 12"x36" and 30" high. If you got the standard height (40") bench work it will fit under it with room for transformers, DCS, Legacy, etc. on top. It comes with 4 casters, two are lockable. The lower shelf is optional and I don't think it's listed, I think I had to ask about it.

Here is the info, it's in the downloadable .pdf catalog on page 12. Here's a link: Mianne Cart

If that doesn't work the file is attached. It's also on their website under Catalog, Download Catalog.

Here's a picture

Great!  Thanks, rtr12. Nice looking cart. Appreciate the information and follow-up.

Lancer, Would either of these ideas be helpful to you? The built-in, stack-up multiple shelves present the ZW power (2 loops per ZW) to my own layout , Moon Township.

The other is a work-in-progress photo for an arrangement begun for a layout I built for a client, some years ago.

FrankM

You're welcome. As you can see I haven't quite got everything arranged in a suitable manner. Still struggling with that one. Others have posted some very nice carts, shelves and panels, some inspiration to clean mine up!

Mine doubles as a work station at shows as I Oil, lube and fix trains.