Plate 85:  AC power sources for the layout
(This plate added SEP 2003)

In this view, two layout power sources can be seen. These two power sources provide AC "house" voltage. The power source at the left, a 6-outlet black power strip (also seen in Plate 2) provides current to the fluorescent ceiling light fixtures above the layout (see Plates 25, 26, and 27). --more--

The reason that the layout controls the fluorescent ceiling fixtures, instead of the fixtures being controlled by a "wall switch", is that the layout operator is thereby given the ability to switch from "day operations" to "night operations". During night operations, the operator, in a darkened room, will have the ability to switch on low-voltage lighting in the layout, such as street lights, stanchion lights over switchyards, and internal lights in buildings. The power source at the right, an 8-outlet gray power strip, provides current to the low-voltage transformers used by the layout. The only such transformer plugged into the power source in this view is a 13-volt unit that delivers power to the Hornby R965 Standard Train Controller. The R965 unit, with a red speed control knob and two silver terminal posts can be seen directly above the left power strip. See Plate 79 for a better view of the R965 controller. Go to top of page