Tomix track - what's needed to power it?

[eldomtom2]

I am planning on making a layout with Tomix track. What items do I need on the controller/power front?

[bill937ca]

Basic power is the TCS Power Unit N-1001-CL.   https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10079356

For stock rail you need a 5534 D.C. Feeder N to get the power to the rails.  https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10009865

For tram track there is a separate under track feeder, the 5538  https://www.plazajapan.com/4543736055389/       https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10089698

For switches you need a selector box.  https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10037824

 

 

 

Edited August 14 by bill937ca

[cteno4]

You can also use Kato or other n scale power packs, there you just need to splice together power cables to get the proper plug on the end of your power feeds for the throttle used (or screw terminals for some). Simplest is to go Tomix if you do t want to cut and solder any wires.

 

jeff

[eldomtom2]

11 hours ago, bill937ca said:

Basic power is the TCS Power Unit N-1001-CL.   https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10079356

For stock rail you need a 5534 D.C. Feeder N to get the power to the rails.  https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10009865

For tram track there is a separate under track feeder, the 5538  https://www.plazajapan.com/4543736055389/       https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10089698

For switches you need a selector box.  https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10037824

Some questions:

• What's the difference between the N-1001-CL and the N-600?
• What's the difference between a "Selecter Switch Box" and a "Points Control Box"?
• Can electric Tomix points be operated manually?

[bill937ca]

The N-1001-CL allows constant lighting which means the lights on your train will stay on even when it is stopped in a station. Otherwise the lights go off when the power to the train goes off.

 

Multiple Selector Switch Boxes can be used to isolate a siding just by throwing the handle that controls turnouts at both ends of the siding.  Points Control Bos i just for a single turnout.

 

Yes, there is a manual tab on the side of the turnouts.  You may also find some manual turnouts, but you might have to look into track sets.

Edited August 15 by bill937ca

[MeTheSwede]

The manual mini rail points are available in this set: https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10046278

For small layouts where swiching is done and everything is within easy reach, I prefer manual points over remotely operated (electrical/motorised whatever you want to call them) points. (And it's also cheaper of course.)

 

There is also a manual point option for standard sized/shaped right and left points with synthetic sleepers, to be bought separetly or in track sets. The more special types of points only comes in electric versions. Manual points can be upgraded to electric with this product: https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10032058 . It fits all points. There is no kit to downgrade to manual, you'd have to simply cut of the vires. However you could move the "point motor" from one point to another.

 

If you are going to use manual points for a micro layout, the mini rail track starter set is a good option: https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10531135 . This controller is perfectly fine, but you can't attach control boxes for electrical for points to it. If you get this starter set, you've got everything you need to drive trains. This controler also comes in the Tram Track Starter set (Tomix 90099) , the Small Diesel Locomotive Starter set (Tomix 90096) and the Electric Locomotive Starter set (TOmix 90097), but is not for sale separately.

 

If you want remotely operated points, this is the standard controler: https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10160414 which is also what comes with starter sets. The point control boxes you attach to the side, as many as you need. Another more expensive option has already been linked in this thread.

 

Selector boxes are NOT used for points. They are used to turn on and off power to an isolated section of track. Useful to solve some specific problem for people making large complicated layouts, but not something the average modeler is likely to use.

 

Electric points are controlled with either the Point Control Box N-W https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10009863 or the Point Control Box N-S https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10009862. The difference here being that the former can be connected to two points to make them switch at the same time (but could also be used to operate a single point).