I have done a forum search, but I haven't found exactly what I'm looking for, so I hope you might be able to help.
During the Christmas season, my wife and I like to set up our LGB trains for the community to enjoy. We usually run three separate loops - large and medium concentric circles and one 4'x30' oval. The track is all LGB brass and I clean it before each session. The track remains set up from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day, but we bring the trains inside each night.
Motive power consists primarily of starter-set-style locomotives, but we also run a Lionel Thomas the Tank Engine and an LGB Peanuts mogul. Most of the rolling stock has been converted to steel wheels.
For power, we have been using the power packs that come with the starter sets, mostly with good results. Two of the wiring runs are about ten feet each, and one is about thirty feet. For the shorter runs we have typically used heavier lamp cord, and for the longer run we use outdoor lighting cable.
Now, to my situation: from time to time, the power packs will trip a circuit breaker during the normal course of running. The tripping is not related to derailments or other "mechanical" problems. I have pretty much solved this on the longer run by parallelling two power packs, so I am led to believe that the starter set packs just aren't quite enough to handle the load. I also don't like the idea of parallelling them. My "gut" tells me that is stupid. Although the trips are fewer on the short loops, it does occasionally occur.
What suggestions do you have for my situation?
Thanks.
It does sound like the power packs are not big enough.
What are the ratings? Some LGB and Bachman were 1/2 amp at best.
Newest LGB set haS 2 DIFFERENT SUPPLIES, ONE AT 14 VOLTS AND .7 AMPS, THE OTHER AT 20 VOLTS AND 1 AMP.
If wired correctly you can run 7-2motor engins with a 15 amp from Bridgewerks I did it last year on my old DNRR indoor 20x21 2-loop poorly wired, with not a problem one. a big plus is the banana plug connectors Just unplug and go.
Dave
The head is gray, hands don't work , back is weak, legs give out, eyes are gone, money go's and my wife still love's Me.
ClintonMagus from time to time, the power packs will trip a circuit breaker during the normal course of running.
1. Are you talking about the circuit protection inside each of the power packs? If so then you may be overheating the power packs because of the length of the run (which I kind’a doubt.) Is the track collecting moisture while the trains are running (dew?) You cleaned the rails; did you clean the pickups? (Drive wheels or shoes?) Dirty pickups can cause added resistance, which can add heat at the power pack.
2. Are you talking about the circuit breakers in the circuit breaker panel that supplies electrical power to the house? If so, then you probable have a weak circuit breaker in the panel, or you are plugging in (or turning on) something into that household circuit that is overloading the circuit breaker. (Is there a refrigerator or freezer on that circuit? Dish washing machine? The wife’s hair dryer? Electric room heater?)
Tom Trigg
ClintonMagus For power, we have been using the power packs that come with the starter sets, mostly with good results. Two of the wiring runs are about ten feet each, and one is about thirty feet. For the shorter runs we have typically used heavier lamp cord, and for the longer run we use outdoor lighting cable. Now, to my situation: from time to time, the power packs will trip a circuit breaker during the normal course of running. The tripping is not related to derailments or other "mechanical" problems. I have pretty much solved this on the longer run by parallelling two power packs, so I am led to believe that the starter set packs just aren't quite enough to handle the load. I also don't like the idea of parallelling them. My "gut" tells me that is stupid. Although the trips are fewer on the short loops, it does occasionally occur. What suggestions do you have for my situation? Thanks.
Big ticket fix for your problem Bridgewerks Magnum 4000, 4-10 amp power packs in one package.
Page 107 Dec 08 issue GRM
Dave ( I need one of them, cause I feel the need for speed )
Thanks, but Bridgewerks is waaaayyyy out of my range right now. I spoke with the editor of Garden Railways magazine, and he suggested that I use 1A-2A power supplies such as those from MRC for any loops I'm having trouble with.
As for the circuit breaker question, I was referring to the circuit protection inside the power pack. If the power pack was tripping a branch breaker, I wouldn't be operating it. The track does collect dew. I wipe it off as time permits. I clean the pickups, wheels, and track each night before I run them.
Most definitely an electrical overload problem. If it's the power pack circuit breakers that are tripping, you need something with more amperage output. If it's the house circuit breaker, you are overloading it by plugging too many devices into one circuit and need to try splitting them up or have an electrician install heavier wiring or a totally new circuit to the location of the trains.
Continual tripping of circuit breakers is a danger signal that needs to be corrected before it becomes a fire.
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