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Author Topic: Polar Express set expansion questions  (Read 1927 times)

Flynhi

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Polar Express set expansion questions
« on: December 05, 2017, 01:53:05 pm »
I gave my grandsons a Polar Express last year and plan to expand it this year.

I want to add remote control switches with the same turn out radius as the track in the PR set. I think the PE curves are 36" Can someone confirm this?

To add track and switches I have purchased a CW-80 transformer. I understand that the remote hand held controller will control engine functions with the CW 80. What I don't know is how much "juice" to supply from the CW80 - should the orange power handle be 1/4 up or 1/2 up or 3/4 up or what?

Any help appreciated
Will

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TrainLarry

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Re: Polar Express set expansion questions
« Reply #1 on: December 05, 2017, 03:52:50 pm »
For the full range of speed from the locomotive, turn the throttle to 18 volts. You can use less; it will just limit the top speed of the loco.

The curve radius in the set seems to be 36"

Larry

Flynhi

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Re: Polar Express set expansion questions
« Reply #2 on: December 05, 2017, 05:28:09 pm »
Thanks Larry
Much appreciated.
Will

TrainLarry

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Re: Polar Express set expansion questions
« Reply #3 on: December 05, 2017, 05:44:19 pm »
You're welcome.

Enjoy your trains.

Larry

Flynhi

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Re: Polar Express set expansion questions
« Reply #4 on: December 09, 2017, 09:29:26 am »
Another Polar Express set expansion question Larry:
To power a large layout I think i need two power tracks at third points of the layout. I have purchased more track including a second 10" straight power track and a CW80 transformer.

In order to keep the wall pack and its plug intact for future use with the original, small layout, I want to set it aside and use the CW80 with two power tracks.

So I intend to purchase a plug and pigtail to use with the plug in 10" straight power track and the CW80. The power track that I recently purchased has soldered wires rather than a side plug

This will give me two power tracks with connecting wires with braided conductor wire ends to attach to the CW80

So, my question has to do with which wire in the power wire feeds the center rail and which feeds the outer rail. I need to know this to connect the CW80 correctly and to avoid connecting one power track one way and the other another, opposite way.

Any help appreciated.

TrainLarry

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Re: Polar Express set expansion questions
« Reply #5 on: December 10, 2017, 11:59:24 am »
The wires with plugs should have one wire identified on the insulation with a stripe or some other identification. If not, get an ohmmeter and check the wiring on both plugs to identify each wire. Tie the equivalent wires together on each wire harness, and then connect to the transformer. As long as you do this, you will not have any problems.

Which way the wires are hooked to the track should not matter. Try hooking them both ways and see if there is a difference.

Larry

dbat77

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Re: Polar Express set expansion questions
« Reply #6 on: December 27, 2019, 04:14:27 pm »
For the full range of speed from the locomotive, turn the throttle to 18 volts. You can use less; it will just limit the top speed of the loco.

The curve radius in the set seems to be 36"

Larry
Actually the curve radius is 18" the diameter is 36".  All recent starter sets use 36" diameter 45 degree curves.

 

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