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Author Topic: Lion Chief Terminal Question  (Read 1847 times)

LocoJoe

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Lion Chief Terminal Question
« on: December 02, 2017, 04:52:06 pm »
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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Chiefmcfuz

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Re: Lion Chief Terminal Question
« Reply #1 on: December 02, 2017, 06:54:42 pm »
I prefer to use a transformer but you can add a terminal track as well.

TrainLarry

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Re: Lion Chief Terminal Question
« Reply #2 on: December 02, 2017, 07:32:50 pm »
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.


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

Flynhi

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Re: Lion Chief Terminal Question
« Reply #3 on: December 02, 2017, 10:08:33 pm »
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

TrainLarry

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Re: Lion Chief Terminal Question
« Reply #4 on: December 03, 2017, 03:27:14 am »
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

LocoJoe

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Re: Lion Chief Terminal Question
« Reply #5 on: December 05, 2017, 04:33:37 pm »
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

TrainLarry

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Re: Lion Chief Terminal Question
« Reply #6 on: December 05, 2017, 05:43:16 pm »
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

LocoJoe

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Re: Lion Chief Terminal Question
« Reply #7 on: December 05, 2017, 06:12:21 pm »
Thanks Larry, appreciate your guidance.

 

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