Lionel Fastrack terminal track

[lionelsoni]

Thermal circuit breakers (like those automotive ones) are well suited to protect wiring.  The circuit breaker roughly models the wire heating, tripping quickly on a big overload but slowly on a modest overload.  This behavior safely tolerates brief overloads without "nuisance" tripping.

The circuit-breaker's speed can't compensate for wire that is too small.  It should trip sooner or later if the current exceeds the breaker's rating.  But 18 AWG wire is not protected by a 10 ampere breaker from an overload between 7 amperes (the wire's ampacity) and 10 amperes (the breaker's rating), however long it lasts.

I have a Fastrack terminal section (6-12016).  It has some microscopic numbers printed on the wire, but nothing that means anything to me.  I have no non-destructive way to measure the wire, but it looks quite small, perhaps 20 AWG, which would have an ampacity of about 5 amperes.

By the way, the connectors at the track end of the wires are Fastons; the ones at the other end are spades.

[KRM]

You would have nothing to worry about, those breakers react very fast. My track section I have looks to have 18 gauge wire or better, not 22 or 24.

[Michael6268]

There's no way that 22 or 24 gauge wire is going to handle a 9-10 amp load for very long...

[KRM]

Just one of these takes care of that problem. At most auto parts stores.

 https://www.amazon.com/Bussmann-BP-CB211-10-RP-Circuit-Breaker/dp/B009WQPBYS

 And as long as we are making this a science project lets not forget the transient-voltage-suppression (TVS) diodes.

 

 

 

 

I like these breaker holders better.

 

[Michael6268]

I dont like that small gauge wire they use on the terminal sections.  A fire waiting to happen if the situation is right....

And to my knowledge they dont have any warnings listed about higher amperage situations.

[KRM]

Not that track,,,,,,,this track!!! And just use the transformer for both Locos. I use a voltmeter and see where 18 volts is on the transformer then set the transformer ther. I have even marked the controls so I can set it fast for the LionChief stuff. You won't need the LionChief power pack once you do that. Can't get much easer than that.

[Billwiz]

Michael6268

I may be wrong, but I think he's trying to hook a barrel jack up to an AC Transformer so he could just plug the AC power supply with a barrel Jack into the terminal section.

 

 

THANK YOU!  This is what I'm trying to do.  I found a pile of old wall warts so I'm going to try and match up a barrel connector.  Was just trying to see if anyone knew what size the barrel connector was.

 

 

[Michael6268]

I may be wrong, but I think he's trying to hook a barrel jack up to an AC Transformer so he could just plug the AC power supply with a barrel Jack into the terminal section.

[BigAl 956]

You can connect to the spade lugs underneath the track with a female .110 spade connector. Not a common size but you can order them online. In a pinch you can get away with the more common .25" connector.

[Sturgeon-Phish]

If you are talking about the spade connector I have some from Digi-Key (800 344-4539).  PN# 920044-09-ND.  MFD P/N  MU14-110DFK.  Description, Conn unisul Fmale 16-14 AWG.

 

I have some extra if you just need a few

Jim

[Billwiz]

This is what I have.  This layout is my portable Christmas layout using the Polar Express Lionchief.  However, I want to use it for another purpose after Christmas utilizing a conventional locomotive.  So I want to unplug the power supply and plug in my conventional transformer.  Instead of adding electrical connections to the track for the conventional, I want to take two wires and connect them to a barrel connector that plugs into the track section, and then connect to transformer. 

I know how to to do this, just need to know what size barrel connector this track takes so I can order it.  

[lionelsoni]

The minimum connector and wire size depends on the overcurrent protection (circuit breaker, fuse, or electronic current limitation) of your two power sources.

[Billwiz]

I have that track. I have a small portable Christmas layout where I run my Polar Express. But I want to quickly disconnect the LionChief power and switch to conventional transformer for post war loco. I want to make a plug in cord from transformer to track. 

[KRM]

FYI,

 You can use your conventional transformerfor both. Just set the transformer to 18 volts to power the LionChief Loco.

All you will need is a 6-12016, 10"  straight terminal track section.

[Billwiz]

Does anyone know the correct size barrel connector for the terminal track?  I want to be able to alternate between the power supply for Lionchief and a conventional transformer for other loco.  Thanks.