Search results

  1. D

    Multiple Transformers to power switch banks?

    forgive my ignorance or naivete. can you point me to a how to guide to both size correctly and build a CDU? it sounds very interesting. would you do that or get another 14VA power pack. I know that works.
  2. D

    Multiple Transformers to power switch banks?

    dhutch: 8 A x 12 V = should be more than enough. i happen to have a couple of 200W PC PSUs lying around. for that reason I am very interested in the size of the smoothing caps. do you have a schematic that you could share?
  3. D

    Multiple Transformers to power switch banks?

    Actually I did try a separate power pack, a Lifeline 7VA and it was not able to throw 2 switches on the same switch machine. It sounded like it was close but not enough. 8VA may be a bit close. I think 10VA would probably do it...
  4. D

    Multiple Transformers to power switch banks?

    I have a layout that has 26 switch machines, 8 of which control 2 switches (for cross overs). I have 3 cabs, 2 for the main line (17 VA) and 1 for the yard (14VA). I have read that a switch machine, especially one controlling 2 switches, can draw significant power from the cab affecting...
  5. D

    Need Help with Atlas controller #220

    Yep, when i carefully read the electrical schematic of the controller, the left and right terminals are NOT symmetrical. the left are inputs and the right are outputs. If I was at Atlas, I might have labeled these as such to avoid this type of problem. There is not a single note anywhere that...
  6. D

    Need Help with Atlas controller #220

    still not working ok. i corrected the incorrect wiring so that now both wires from both cabs connect to the controller directly. it still does not work. i then disconnected the block that connects to the turntable bridge track, as all i want to do right now is see the rest of the layout...
  7. D

    Need Help with Atlas controller #220

    Radio Shack Tad: I just went out and got the terminal joiners and jumper strips. It looks like a nice neat way to do it. I will probably try to locate them in 2 central areas beneath the layout to avoid long wire runs. This is all starting to make sense now... I will give it a bash this...
  8. D

    Need Help with Atlas controller #220

    Clarification Firstly, Tad, thanks for taking the time to help me through this. This is why I love the Gauge forum. One comment regarding common rails. What I had done was solder nearby common grounds and then brought a single conductor to another meeting point, where I again soldered the...
  9. D

    Need Help with Atlas controller #220

    answers to questions Power pack A is connected directly to the controller power pack B has one wire connected to the controller and another wire connected to a series of selectors that have all been connected together and to the controller via spade connectors (this connects to the second...
  10. D

    Need Help with Atlas controller #220

    I am having problems with my layout when hooking in an Atlas Controller (#220) to control a turntable. According to the Atlas wiring book, the common rail needs to come of the controller "C" terminal. I did that and my trains do not operate. If I take the "C" off the two cabs (soldered...
  11. D

    Control Panel with Indicators

    interesting turnout light solution any chance you can post some pics of what you did?
  12. D

    Control Panel with Indicators

    Status report well i have been successful in getting both AC (turnout controls) and DC (block selectors) to work using my split parallel connector approach. it has actually proven to be rather easy. My only regret at this time is not getting longer cables. i have ended up having to in some...
  13. D

    Control Panel with Indicators

    Wiring it up I have started down the road of using 6' parallel PC passthrough cables. I cut the cable in the middle. one half will be attached to the control panel and the other to the layout. the connector on the layout side has been fixed beneath the layout...
  14. D

    Tool to cut Atlas Flextrack

    I have tried using a hacksaw but the track just bends. I even built a benchwork platform to hold the track. At a recent train show (Bedford Boomers in Bedford, NH) someone there mentioned to try use a pair of nippers that are somewhat flat to avoid getting that pinched end result. But I think...
  15. D

    Control Panel with Indicators

    Hi: I am busy building a control panel for my new layout. click here to see some photos (not necessary to respond, just in case you are curious) I am now working on the control panel. initially i thought of using connectors so that i could detach my control panel from the layout. i was...
  16. D

    well guys, i think this is about it........

    hang in there. i actually am still building mine. it is a modification of an atlas plan central midland which required too much space. i tried to use train software and that did not go very far so in the end, i just started laying track. i did not run everything yet because it was 3 levels but i...
  17. D

    Cleaning old HO Locomotives/Engines

    thanks for the feedback. any recommended brands for the cleaning supplies you mentioned.... when you suggest testing to see if the wheels are in guage, in essence should the distance between wheels on the same axel measure exactly the width of the track? is that in essence they key test or is...
  18. D

    Cleaning old HO Locomotives/Engines

    I have my engines from my childhood which I want to get running again. I have a broad variety and wondered if anyone had advice on how to go about giving them a little service to getting the best performance out of them. The locos I have are by Lima, Bachman, Mantua to name a few. If this...
Top