Insey said:
Ok, when I just connected the second half, it was dim. My power pack is rated for 20 volts AC output and 7 amps AC.
I have 27 bulbs total on my layout. It never was dim like this. When I first built it, everything worked fine with no shorts and the lights were all very bright. I am thinking I will just redo the entire wiring on it, which would include replacing all the lights and rerunning the main bus. It would only cost me $40 to do it.
Well, seven amps AC at 20 volts is a rather large transformer and would be difficult to load down. Your power pack could be the problem, but one other thing, can you disconnect the lamp that is burning brighter that the others? Just a thought, but if it was pulling so much power that the rest of the lamps would go dim, you would know it, it would get extremely hot. You could have a high-resistance short, like something laying across the wires, if you do, you should be able to feel around for some heat. If it was working at one time and isn't now, then something changed and I guess you'll have to poke around until you find it, but right now, from what you're saying, I'm suspecting the power pack, and that one bulb that is running bright.
Keep at it. If you do buy new stuff, be sure that the voltage rating on them match the voltage output of your power pack, and also check the current draw. Some bulbs run brighter than others and use more current. You also might consider the use of LEDs.