Does anyone have any experience powering three trains with a ( rebuilt) ZW with two handles uses for track/train one and two with a 14 volt terminal used for train three to run L plus in transformer mode? Many thanks for experiences and "informed guestimates". Cordially, overbore
ps power flow is diodes, fast acting CB's, more diodes at terminal strips then tracks
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In the beginning was running 3 trains and a trolly on one ZW, (using the accessory controls) but it was using too many amps. my turnouts (16 O22's) were not snapping into place. Now I have 2 ZWs and run two trains on each one, All my 4 tracks are integrated and I can run from one track to another without a problem. I changed all my switches bulbs to 24 volts instead of 18 volts and put half the switches on each transformer. The accessory terminals are at a constant 18 volts. I was going to use LED's but at about $2.00 apiece the 24 Volt bulbs were a lot cheaper. The increase in bulb voltage cuts down on the amps the bulbs are bright and everything runs fine. I think each engine takes about 35 amps. bulbs about 3 amps each, and if you have switches and other accessories the amps can add up to 175 pretty quick. If you are just running the 3 trains you should be OK.....
Perhaps you mean 35 Watts, 3 Watts, and 175 Watts.
OOPs
A ZW will have no problems powering 3 trains as you describe provided your continuous load stays under 200 or so watts.
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