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Lionel Trains Workshop => Power & Control => Topic started by: Gregthgrey on March 18, 2026, 10:21:24 pm

Title: Re: New to Lionel-Accessory Power Question
Post by: mtnman1 on March 23, 2026, 10:52:07 am

Hi Greg
Glad your son has taken up the hobby. It's how my dad started me off with my first set in 1958.
 By "Controller" I assume you mean Transformer? For right now the cheapest and easiest way is, If he is going to stay with the hobby, then pick up another transformer that has  multiple output(s). Lionel makes many.
What usually is done is, as the layout becomes larger or permanent, you either upgrade to a multiple source transformer like the ZW (Which has 4 outputs) or one of the others that has multiple outputs.  Most folks will put their accessories on a separate source, Another output is used for constant voltage Power for  your switches and yet another 1 or 2 outputs for train control depending on how many isolated track systems you have.  I have more than one transformer running and I won't get into that right now. It takes a little bit to correctly set that up. Lionel has videos on all of this you can watch.
Claude

Title: New to Lionel-Accessory Power Question
Post by: Gregthgrey on March 18, 2026, 10:21:24 pm

Hello,

I just bought a used New York Central Flyer set from the mid nineties that is in great shape. A little maintenance and it’s running beautifully.

The set came with some extra accessories, and my son wants to set up a track with them.

The controller that came with the set 6-12885 does not have accessory terminals, and I don’t want to use the track power. Any recommendations for a dedicated power source for accessories? Something budget friendly?

I’m wanting to keep using the controller that came with the set for now, but will probably eventually upgrade if my son really gets into it.

Let me know!