Ive got an idea, will it work?

[Anonymous]

can you use the fixed voltage ac on those cheap life-like tranformers to power o scale accsories? if so how many watts are they usually?[?] I have about 5 of these little cheapies and i want to put them to use.[^]

[willpick]

Jerry, it depends on what kind of accessories you intend to power- if it's a block signal or a banjo signal, it will work. Most of these "little cheapies" can only supply 8 watts of power at 16-18VAC. The accessories that have motors, solenoids,etc require more power. You might be better off finding a Lionel 35/40/50 Watt starter set transformer(the ones that look like a cube with two terminals).

[brianel027]

Like Will said Jerry, those HO stater set transformers don't have much power or amperage. But the adjustable DC part is good for accessories that have solenoids that you don't want to have make the buzzing sound. DC current runs these types of things quietly. So like if you have the Gateman or the K-Line Diesel Fueling Station or Control Tower - and they're not wired to operate off an insultated rail - the DC power packs run these just fine. The Banjo Signal needs AC current to operate well. I've tried the DC power packs with this and they don't work as well.

I've noticed this on my track too since I use mostly DC current to the track, although I can use AC too. Some of the operating cars like the Operating Barrel Car work better with AC. They do work with the DC, just not as well. My operating Milk Cars and Merchandise Cars work fine with the DC, but those cars have solenoids, not the vibrator motor.

Just my observation.

Using more smaller power packs or transformers to power accessories means you can't run as many constant running accessories off one transformer, but you can custom adjust the power to make different accessories work at their best.

[cbojanower]

Just the other day Home Depot was closing out some 600 watt transformers for 30 bucks, I snagged 3 of these, and they seem to work. However there are some 300 watt ones also at Home Depot which wouldnt work since they have a do not turn on without a load feature. So I guess what ai am saying its test before investing alot in them