How should I add more power to my Lional train layout ?

General Discussion FSM Ready Room
1

I have a Lionel train layout. I have added more accessories to the layout, but at the same time, there is less power to run the locomotive around the track. Must I have a new transformer to power the locomotive and with the freight cars in tow ? If that is the answer, what kind of new transformer must I purchase ?

Happy modeling Crackers

2

I would add a separate power supply/transformer. Add up the current needed by each of those accessories. You need a supply with at least that current. More would enable more future accessories. Put the acessories on a separate circuit not connected to the train power supply.

3

I hadn’t given Lionel electrics any thought in quite a while. I never owned one and my various HO and N scale layouts ran on DC.

Looking through the info now available online, Lionel sells a setup called the Lionel Control System, LCS for short.

It allows control with either handheldthrottles, or by wifi. You can use an iphone or ipad to control everything.

Pretty neat set up.

Bill

4

Thanks both of you for your input on Lionel power supply. Really appreciate your response.

Happy modeling Crackers

5

It's a Lionel! by Glenn Hanson, on Flickr

6

Today, I had the pleasure of going to the Magic Valley Model Railroaders model trains display at the Filer Fair Grounds at Filer, Idaho, where all scales of model trains are on display to the public. For model railroads, it was heaven on earth, especially children, some of which could sit at a control booth and operate moving model trains, much to their delight.

I brought my question why I do not get enough power to my engine after adding accessories to my layout. Since I do not have wifi or an I-phone availability for the train layout for a Lionel Control System, and do not want to have more wiring to a seperate circut that is not connect to the mail power supply, as advised by Don Stauffer and G. Morrison on the FSM Forum, it was suggested to me to purchase a Lionel RW 110 Watt transformer on E-bay for under $100. Hopefully, this is the kind of transformer that will give the power needed for my Lionel layout.

Merry modeling. Crackers

7

It sounds like you are headed down the right path. I am going to have the same issue . I plan on doing a setup combination with a roadrace set and a HO train set. hopefully about 8 X 8 size. All I need to do is makea space for it.