(DIR) Return Create A Forum - Home
---------------------------------------------------------
Lionel Trains
(HTM) https://lioneltrains.createaforum.com
---------------------------------------------------------
*****************************************************
(DIR) Return to: Power & Control
*****************************************************
#Post#: 983--------------------------------------------------
Combining Lionchief Sets
By: GalacticVoyager Date: January 28, 2015, 11:46 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
I have been pleased with the Lionchief set I purchased last year
and would like to add a second one. Is it possible to make a
layout which uses the power supplies from two Lionchief sets to
power both trains running on the same track.
I understand that this can be done with a conventional
transformer but it seems wasteful to not use the power supplies
that come with the sets.
#Post#: 985--------------------------------------------------
Re: Combining Lionchief Sets
By: TrainLarry Date: January 29, 2015, 12:49 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Welcome to the forum!
You may be able to run both sets on the same layout using only
one power supply, although you may be pushing the power limits
of the power supply doing so. You can try and see the results.
You do not need to have 2 power supplies for the 2 trains on the
same loop, and hooking both power supplies up to the same track
gets involved.
It would be advantageous to upgrade to a bigger transformer.
Postwar transformers such as the KW can run 2 trains, and the ZW
can run up to 4 trains; both with power to spare. These
transformers are widely available at hobby shops, train shows
and online auctions for very reasonable amounts.
Note that if you get another LionChief set, the locomotives must
be a different type, or you will not be able to control both
locomotives independently.
Larry
#Post#: 989--------------------------------------------------
Re: Combining Lionchief Sets
By: GalacticVoyager Date: January 30, 2015, 11:02 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Regarding: "You do not need to have 2 power supplies for the 2
trains on the same loop, and hooking both power supplies up to
the same track gets involved."
I have successfully used two Lionel CW-80 transformers connected
in parallel to run dual motor engines with lighted passenger
cars. This works out well for that train which draws a lot of
amps. My guess is that two or three LionChief engines with lots
of cars would draw more amps than a single power supply could
deliver and hence the interest in combining them.
I am wondering if putting two of the LionChief power supplies on
the same track is equivalent to putting two transformers in
parallel and feeding the power to multiple track segments around
the layout.
If anyone has tried using two of the power supplies from the
LionChief kits on a single track, I would love to hear about
your experience. The motivation here is that for the price of a
Legacy equipped engine, a collector can purchase a complete
LionChief set (I know the Legacy engines offer other features)
but that aside they are pretty expensive.
By adding LionChief sets you get track, power, and rolling stock
in addition to an interesting engine which can be incrementally
added to a layout.
I think I will try to find a LionChief power supply on Ebay and
perform the experiment.
#Post#: 990--------------------------------------------------
Re: Combining Lionchief Sets
By: TrainLarry Date: January 30, 2015, 11:31 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Since you have successfully hooked 2 CW-80 transformers in
parallel, the same thing can be done to the LionChief power
supplies. The only difference is that the LionChief power
supplies output DC voltage, not AC voltage like traditional
transformers. Polarity matching of the outputs of the power
supplies is necessary.
Larry
#Post#: 1031--------------------------------------------------
Re: Combining Lionchief Sets
By: rogruth Date: February 20, 2015, 10:05 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
If they are all LC+ locos it should be possible to operate
several with a larger transformer similar to using command
control.
Lionel is making a power supply like the one that comes with the
sets but of higher power.
*****************************************************