Number of PWR-56 Power Supplys for a Given Layout

[Espeelark]

Under the "New Users Start Here / Introduce Yourself" thread, Jeff asked, "Any input on how to go about installing the system, i.e number of power modules needed, where to locate said modules ( grouped in one place or distributed about the layout) etc. and any other tidbits will be greatly appreciated."

As they say, "it depends...."
Ring advertises that the PWR-56 has 56 Watts of output power to drive 15 or more typical modern HO scale locomotives.

I have three on my layout. My layout is an around the room, double-deck arrangement with a center peninsula. The room is ~21' x 20'. I have a construction blog about it over on the MRH website (I think you know that). Just search on "SP Lordsburg Sub - Construction".
* One for both the upper and lower return/staging loops  - each has seven (-7-) tracks.
* One for the lower operating level.
* One for the helix and the upper operating level.

Based on the way I have them allocated, I'm thinking I won't ever approach having 15 locos on any one of them simultaneously.
Mine are all located in one central location in the center peninsula, so its not a long reach to any part of my layout.

Hope that gives you an idea of what you might need for yours!

[LVRR1856]

Good to know Espeelark, Mine will be 3 levels, 3 should be more than enough for me. Say if 3 triple loco consists get into 1 power district(9 locos)
Should be good still even if old units ?

First level is a 15 track stage yard, so maybe two consists (6 engines) moving at once, +helix up/dn.

Level 2 is for running and switching, worst case maybe 3 consists running (9 engines ?)(3 engine consists - more or less) +helix up/dn

Level 3 Mostly continuous running  - same a level 2 (9 at most) - will have engine terminal/roundhouse, may use level 3 to power helix ?

Doubt 1 person could handle all that, not even half on a good day, but when grandkids start coming into the picture - etc...?

15 modern locos = maybe 8 older blue box/atlas yellow box/ P2ks locos (Which I have alot of)...

Maybe 4 would be better ? My room is 14 x 18.

[Jeff1022]

Thanks for the response Paul.  I saw the 15 number on the website.  What about the length of the buss run?  Is there a noticeable power drop off the further away from the module the run goes?  Does that 15 locos drop down to a much lesser number if running numerous locos out in the "boonies" as it were, and thus drawing down the power on the entire circuit for that module due to the distance from the power source?  Jeff

[Espeelark]

Jeff - the longest bus run I have is probably 12 -14 feet from the PWR-56 to the track. That's to my helix which is the furthest away section of blocked/isolated trackage. I'm having no operational problems with that.