Transformer Recommendations

Gornza Aug 21, 2009

  1. Gornza

    Gornza TrainBoard Member

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    Can anyone recommend to me what minimum wattage transformer to get for me? I am just setting up an O gauge track (4X8) for my son, nothing fancy. Somone in a store told me 30 watt.....
     
  2. gmrcguy

    gmrcguy TrainBoard Member

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    Controller

    How many Rails?

    If we're talking 3 rails a 30 watt will cover basic running but if your getting into powered cars and a complex sound system AtlasO makes a cheapish 80 watt controller.
     
  3. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    This is Lionel?

    You will be using jointed track. At each track section, there is some power lost, no matter how well you keep it clean, or how tightly connected.

    Once you get beyond a basic figure eight, which is about 17 pieces as I recall, perhaps 21, the small set style power supply will not be enough. If you add any accessories, such as a crossing gate, then your power supply must have accessory terminals. (Fixed AC output.) And you need greater wattage.

    I would like to see you get at least 75 watts, and with an eye to the future, please consider something more, if your budget allows.

    Boxcab E50
     
  4. Big D

    Big D TrainBoard Member

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    Get a vintage Lionel 250- 275 watt transformer! They will power accessories, trains, lights, you name it, it will power it! Plenty of room for future expansion.
     

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