Transformers - Where do you place them?

If you can, you should have a separate shelf for transformers. Ideally, it should be mounted at a lower level than the main table top, at least, in my opinion.

Mine are mounted just below and on the side of my layout.

mine, on a stand/table just below the layout middle table. this is in the centralized region to be able to view the two adjoining tables. I plan on making another control board at the same level as the ZW transformer placement.  

I put mine on a freestanding table I got at Goodwill...bricks go nicely on the second shelf.

John

On my PW style layout I built a shelf that mounts to the benchwork for the transformers.

AC Train control and DC Tortoise Switching of Ross units topside.

Power down in the Layout "Basement"

johnstrains posted:

On my PW style layout I built a shelf that mounts to the benchwork for the transformers.

I've done the same, shelf mounted to the benchwork on one side of my layout. Even use the same transformers. Only difference is I also use TMCC/DCS. 

Good advice, all around.  Years ago I had a large 40' x 12' Super 'O' layout, with a 10' 'L' shaped extension for the classification & freight yard.  With that layout, and all the previous ones I've built, I too, always mounted the transformers on a separate panel, not on the layout itself.

Other than the obvious advantage of having more room for track & scenery, repairs and wiring problems  can be dealt with much more easily if the transformers are readily  accessible, and even better if the entire control panel can be moved for internal wiring access. Installation of modular 'jacks' or plugs will allow your transformer master control panel to be disconnected rather quickly, instead of having to unscrew myriads of thumb nuts.

Good luck to you! Building and operating a well-maintained model pike is one of the greatest joys our hobby has to offer.

-Len Carparelli

Free-standing homemade rolling cart, with electronics on a separate fixed panel under the layout. The wires are about 12" longer than necessary which gives me some "play" to move the cart around to get a little more underneath access.

Good topic, Paul.

Mine is hilarious. I had no idea what I was doing. I dreamed this nightmare up, but by some miracle, it works and I've never had a short because of this arrangement for over 20 years!

The top of the train table is about 15 inches higher than the Z4000 transformer.

LOL, Arnold

Each of my two Z-4000 transformers is mounted on its own stand at the side of the table. The legs and frame are like the rest of the benchwork – by Mianne. The stands are usually cluttered with locomotives and anything else that needs to be put somewhere. The transformer/switch-control wiring is easily accessible from below but the transformers get in the way when taking layout photos. The transformer at left also powers my smaller layout, visible at the upper left of first photo. If I had it to do over again, I would put the transformers on a shelf directly beneath the table. My father did a beautiful job of finishing the plywood on which the transformers sit. That will remain unchanged as long as this layout is in operation.

MELGAR

Hi RAILRUNNIN Paul,

When I had the trainroom expanded, which included moving this door (on the left in all four photos,) which connects the basement to the garage, to where you see it, here, I had this niche built in its wall for all the ZWs and the TMCC equipment. When I face this ensemble, I have a direct view of our guests coming down the stairs into the room. Also, this positioning is somewhat central to the entire layout's viewing aisles, so I can communicate with guests and answer their questions and receive their observations with ease and conviviality as they move around the layout.

Previous to this arrangement, all the ZWs were on a shelf under the layout, at its edge, so that meant my back was often toward our guests. We quickly realized that conversing with me was a priority of our guests to the trainroom, so facing them and not being bent over was primary in this new positioning of the entire transformers system.

FrankM, Moon Township, USA

 Really great replies gentlemen. Thank you for the input  and pictures.

Since I will be using Mianne Benchwork perhaps their add on shelf is my path of least resistance. I had not thought about this prior to this morning when pondering my "very much a work in progress" layout diagram.

Paul

Under the table out of sight, once the power strip is turned on and the throttle(s) are set to 18v there is no reason to see the transformers or power bricks for the rest of the operating session.

Arnold,

Are you available for transformer installations and wiring assistance???

MELGAR

I have both. For my basement layout, I whipped up a 3 shelf table. ZW controller, and some switches on top, switches for my turnouts below, and the two 135w bricks on the bottom. Not fancy, maybe not ergonomically correct, but it works.

 When I built my Christmas tree layout, 19 years ago, my train guy recommended a BW80. I bolted it to the platform, and surrounded it with the switches. It looked wonderful. Then I needed a new transformer. It had to fit in the same spot, so I got the GW180. I have had nothing but trouble with it, and can’t get parts to fix it. I now run the train with the 180, and have a big MRC behind the tree that powers the accessories. Never design the transformer into the layout.

Mine are mounted close to the table top...I almost consider them part of the scenery.

Fendermain

KW front and center. Kind of mandatory for a conventional runner....

Nice pix all!

Frank MOONSON, this is what's known as a STACK as in amplifier cabinets! a five stack! lol. very interesting.

Fendermain, showroom styling! so clear of obstruction and mayhem.  clean o clean machines, yeah buddy, but did you see the STACK?.

Arnold, all I can say is that its totally  fascinating that It Works so well! And folks, I have seen it run flawlessly in person!

Melgar, a great behind the scenes pictorial of the power tables.

cant send a photo, still at work.  my ZW is on an adjustable keyboard -X- stand with wooden computer keyboard shelf across, accompanied by track pliers, lubes, wire stripper, screw drivers and an original ZW instruction sheet and a power strip with on/off button. When I replace my long lost pre war Z or V it will reside next to ZW. switch controllers  will stretch this arrangement horizontally.