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Beginners Q & A / Is power injection needed for this layout?
« on: November 13, 2025, 08:07:49 am »
Hello. I haven't owned a train since I was a pre-teen and that was a N-Scale setup I had in my room. My father has a HUGE American flyer collection, but it's all the vintage stuff. Needless to say he and I are both newbies to the bluetooth, constant power train variety. I was hoping someone could answer a question I have about track layout size and the power requirement.
I recently purchased The Polar Express FlyerChief Ready to Run Set (SKU: 6-49632). Along with the ready to run set I purchased the AF FasTrack Outer Passing Loop Add-on (SKU: 6-49990) track pack. I have not set up my layout yet and I'm traveling for work for the next week so I'm unable to test my concern. I was curious if there was any need for me to add power injection on the furtherest parts of the track since I am expanding the layout from the original size. I have read online that the original 36w wall pack does well for the original sized track but adding an expansion pack increases the original 6' of track and could require additional power. The Lionel dealer I purchased the two sets from is currently moving their store location so I'm unable to stop by and ask them for help.
If additional power is needed, even if it would be helpful for smoother operation, can you please recommend the best way to accomplish the task? I wasn't sure if getting a more powerful Lionel wall pack would be enough or if adding a second FasTrack Power piece opposite of the first would be easier. But if I add another power track section is it as simple as branching off the orgianl wall pack? I've searched but I can't find a straight answer. I'm very handy so soldering and working with power cords is of no concern to me.
Thank you for any information you can provide me.
I recently purchased The Polar Express FlyerChief Ready to Run Set (SKU: 6-49632). Along with the ready to run set I purchased the AF FasTrack Outer Passing Loop Add-on (SKU: 6-49990) track pack. I have not set up my layout yet and I'm traveling for work for the next week so I'm unable to test my concern. I was curious if there was any need for me to add power injection on the furtherest parts of the track since I am expanding the layout from the original size. I have read online that the original 36w wall pack does well for the original sized track but adding an expansion pack increases the original 6' of track and could require additional power. The Lionel dealer I purchased the two sets from is currently moving their store location so I'm unable to stop by and ask them for help.
If additional power is needed, even if it would be helpful for smoother operation, can you please recommend the best way to accomplish the task? I wasn't sure if getting a more powerful Lionel wall pack would be enough or if adding a second FasTrack Power piece opposite of the first would be easier. But if I add another power track section is it as simple as branching off the orgianl wall pack? I've searched but I can't find a straight answer. I'm very handy so soldering and working with power cords is of no concern to me.
Thank you for any information you can provide me.


Lionel Trains