Lion Chief Terminal Question

• Lion Chief Terminal Question
  Posted by LocoJoe on 02 Dec, 2017 16:52
• I have a Polar Express set that I have expanded to a 4 foot by 12 foot layout.  The Lion Chief engine looses steam as it gets to the furthest point from the the track terminal piece.  I have three questions:  One can I add another track terminal piece with a power supply to the layout, or should I get a larger transformer to power the larger layout?  Lastly, what transformer would you recommend?  Thanks in advance to anyone who takes this multi part question on.
  
  Joe
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• #1 Reply
  Posted by Chiefmcfuz on 02 Dec, 2017 18:54
• I prefer to use a transformer but you can add a terminal track as well.
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• #2 Reply
  Posted by TrainLarry on 02 Dec, 2017 19:32
• First thing to do is make sure all the pins on every track are tight and making good contact. Loose pins will cause a drop in power, especially at the point farthest from the transformer.
  See here for a video on tightening the pins.
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AH27b0hmkdI
  
  For better power distribution, an additional terminal track (or tracks) is advisable.
  
  You can get a larger transformer for your layout, especially if you plan on expanding it. A Lionel CW-80 transformer would be a good unit to upgrade to. The Lionel CW-180 is a hefty transformer that will power a large layout and accessories.
  
  Larry
  
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• #3 Reply
  Posted by Flynhi on 02 Dec, 2017 22:08
• Hello-new bee here
  I have a Polar Express kit that Santa brought my grandsons last year.
  
  This year I want to add track and 2 remote control switches. From other posts I see that the wall pack supplied with the kit is iffy power wise and that it has no provision for powered accessories and that a CW 80 is recommended.
  
  So, my question is - can the hand held controller that came with the kit be used with the CW 80 transformer?
  
  If so, any tips I should know?
  
  Thanks muchop
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• #4 Reply
  Posted by TrainLarry on 03 Dec, 2017 03:27
• The remote will operate the loco whether the track is powered by AC or DC.
  
  It will operate the train powered by the CW-80.
  
  
  Larry
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• #5 Reply
  Posted by LocoJoe on 05 Dec, 2017 16:33
• First off thanks guys for your helpful suggestions.  I already own a 1033 transformer.  Can I use the newly restored 1033 transformer with Fast track and a Lion Chief engine?  I know there is a switch on the bottom of the Lion Chief engine that you can flip to run in standard mode with a transformer.  Will this setup work?
  
  Thanks again,
  
  Joe
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• #6 Reply
  Posted by TrainLarry on 05 Dec, 2017 17:43
• You can use the 1033 with FasTrack and the LionChief engine.
  
  When you put the LionChief loco in Conventional mode, the transformer throttle varies the speed.
  
  
  Larry
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• #7 Reply
  Posted by LocoJoe on 05 Dec, 2017 18:12
• Thanks Larry, appreciate your guidance.
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