Garden Railway Forum

Recently purchased a G Gauge LGB 2156S Sante Fe diesel.

Plan to use 75' of track.

However I need some recommendations on which Transformer might be best - will consider new or used.

With Circuit Breaker protection, etc, so a modern transformer please.

No accessories, no switches, etc.

Thanks
Ed

sdgardenrr wrote: Sun Jun 21, 2026 5:56 am Recently purchased a G Gauge LGB 2156S Sante Fe diesel.

Plan to use 75' of track.

However I need some recommendations on which Transformer might be best - will consider new or used.

With Circuit Breaker protection, etc, so a modern transformer please.

No accessories, no switches, etc.

Thanks
Ed

Hi Ed
Welcome to the forum.

The answer to your question is going to be the standard "It depends".

If you are not planning to extend your railway or add more locos to be running at the same time then a small bog standard LGB 1A transformer with speed control would be sufficient. You'll find plenty to choose from on eBay etc.

However, if you are intending to expand and run more than one loco at the same time and/or want to use DCC, then you'll need something beefier, such as the 5A LGB 50110. Again, you will find secondhand ones on eBay.

Rik

I have been a Lionel postwar hobbyiest since the 1950s. This is my first foray into LGB and garden trains.

Can only see running 1 diesel locomotive (6-axle LGB 2156S dual motor Sante Fe Queen Mary Series) on a 75' trolley-like track run - back and forth. I recently purchased this diesel with no accessories etc.

The track power would connect at one end of the 75' run, and hopefully do well at the other end. Or would I need a 'bus wire" out to the other end off the transformer as well?

Would like a Reverse switch obviously, a Power switch out of necessity, maybe a voltage gauge display?

Uncomfortable buying used transformer electronics online. Would prefer purchasing new from a manufacturer, or Amazon.

Would really appreciate some direction here.


( Waiting to get the cold beers from the kitchen patio out to the gathering area in the backyard )

Thanks
Ed

So, really you want recommendations for a 'power supply' (the transformer bit) and a controller?

Do you want everything in one box, our would you be happy with separate items?

Do you want a tethered controller? - box and knob/switch on the end of a lead.

Have you considered a 'wireless' handheld controller?

Have a look at the Gaugemaster 10LGB..


Although you have said a modest end-to-end layout, and one engine, things have a habit of changing. So I would suggest you consider something around 3-5 amps capacity.

Phil.P

Just a thought. Do your Lionel transformer/controllers handle DC? Presumably up to 16v??

Why not give one of them a try before investing in more kit?

Rik