Hi I am new to this hobby and i would like to build a 5x8 layout in my basement.I am going to use fastrack and i would like to run two seperate loops on the layout so that i can run two trains at once.It will have some operating and lighted accessories.I have the lionel rio grande set and it has the cw 80 transformer.I really cant go any bigger with my layout size so i dont plan on makeing it any bigger in the future.My question is, could i use two mth z1000 transformers(one for each loop) and use the lionel cw 80 for my accessories? Iwant to have enough power but i dont really want to spend $400.00 on a mth z4000.I really appreciate any help or ideas.
You could do it that way and have plenty of power for that size layout. probable could just use two CW-80s since you already have one.
SJ is right. You could use an old 1033 [cheap] for accessories if you have a lot. Gives you a couple of choices for various voltages [which makes them operate to their “own level”].
My layout is also 5x8 with 2 loops of FasTrack. I run my TMCC engines with a CW80 for each loop. I have a bunch of other power sources to run all the accessories, lights, etc…2 Lionel accessory transformers, a old postwar AF transformer, and even the A.C. posts on a old “HO” transformer.
A nice feature of the Lionel Accessory transformer is you can “dial-up/down” the level of building/street lighting.
Doesn’t the Z-1000 have an accessory tap? Does anyone know of a reason you can’t use a Z-1000 and a CW-80? That way you only have to buy one new transformer.
I’m kinda partial to the CW-80. I especially like the fact that the accessory voltage can be programmed. I’m in the process of putting together a wee Christmas setup and testing indicates that I will be able to run two-trains, a back-n-forth trolley and some illuminated accessories with two CW-80’s. I run the trolley off the accessory tap on one of them and programmed its voltage to control the speed. Cool beans.
Pete
Pete,
Yes the Z-1000 has an accessory tap, but it is a fixed voltage, 14 Volts I believe. Another advantage of the CW-80 is it’s near zero minimum voltage, the minimum voltage is about 5-6 volts, I believe with the Z-1000. if all you are run ning with it is MTH locomotives, not such a big deal, but if you have some small locomotives, many will start at a much lower starting voltage than the Z-1000’s minimum voltage, which results in jerky slow speed operation, and coupling at “Ramming Speed”. But of course, MTH Proto sound 2 (PS-2) locomotives don’t play nicely with the CW-80, their electronics get confused by the Phase control output current.
Doug
I would add that I have used 2 CW80’s to run 2 loops and with TMCC also. They worked just fine, so maybe just find another CW80?
Jeff
I want so say thank all of you for these ideas, it really is helpful when your new to the hobby .I also have two MTH diesels, a GEes44ac and a EMD SD70ACE imperial and i have run both of these engines with my cw 80 transformer and had no problems ,they both have protosound and seem to run fine.I will look for a lionel 1033 for my accesories and look for another cw 80 for my inner loop. thanks alot!