G scale: I have about 40 feet of track now and will expand to about 60-75 feet with some 2 degree grades here and there and two switches. I only want to run one train and eventually might power some lights and the two switches -- and a camera on the front of the engine (??). How big of a power supply do I need? I like LGB so was thinking of going with the 6 amp, but do I need a 10 amp power supply?
It's really not the length of track, but the current your loco will consume. For one loco, 5 amps is more than enough, EXCEPT if you are running lighted passenger cars. They can draw almost one amp each, so you need to consider what you are running and will run.
If you are running DC, there are less expensive solutions, like the MRC Power G, that has a cooling fan, big throttle lever and 10 amps.
Regards, Greg
Visit my site: http://www.elmassian.com - lots of tips on locos, rolling stock and more.
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G'day pdholl,
I agree with Greg. Another thing to consider is your expansion plans. Believe me, you have them, you just don't know it yet! You may one day have other locos which draw more current than the LGB unit, or you may wish to double head or add a separate loop. Buying a bigger transformer now will allow expansion and will probably not be much more expensive.
Whatever you do, good luck, and post a photo of your work for us all to admire, no matter what stage you are at!
Mick
Chief Operating Officer
Northern Timber Company - Mt Beenak
I must agree with both Greg and Mick. The power supply you have in mind will probably do well for now, but I advise going larger to allow for growth. As Greg said, lights in the cars will increase the power demand. Future expansion, like Mick said, you may be thinking small now, but in you deep subconscious you are planning the "what if game". Look hard at the 15 amp units that way you will have all the future power needs under control. From the school of "if I had only known" I have 2 five amp and a ten amp in the shed collecting dust, except for special occasions when I have all the building lights on and running the circus (that draws 8.75~9 amps by itself.)
Tom Trigg
Thank you, Greg, Mick, and ttrigg...I will think hard about future expansion. One follow-up question to Greg, though, re your comment "if you are running DC..." I thought Direct Current (DC) is a given for running the G train? Other than battery and live steam, are there current alternatives?
What Greg is referring to is Didgital comand control ( DCC ). alot more money. I use a Singel Bridgwerks 15 amp track power on a 170 foot maine line with two 40-45 passing sideing's I run 4 eng's most of the time. with no power problems I also at times run 3 eng's and up to 11 passinger car with most of the lights on.
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.
Got it! Thanks, Greg.
Any G-Scale power supply will probably work for now...even a cheap Bachmann supply will power up your train (depending on how many cars you want to haul with your locomotive) and you can connect it right to the track. You can always upgrade later, should you decide to expand.
If you're going to also want to run lights for your buildings, etc. you might want to use a separate supply and just connect the lights to it...any inexpensive supply with dc and ac hook-ups will work.
I just bought a 10-amp USA Trains Train Power 10 and it has more than enough power to run my big Mikado locomotive (with a Phoenix sound system installed) pulling 20 cars. It is adaptable to using "walk around" connection, if you so desire. Has a fan and a hand-held controller with a cord that allows me to sit in my lawn chair and run the train.
Ed
I do not suffer from insanity...I enjoy every minute of it!!! Over 60 and still playing with toys!
Another thing to consider is the convenience this supply provides with the hand-held controller. I'm running only one loco at a time, with 2 to 5 cars being pulled, and I didn't need 10amps. However, being able to sit in my comfy chair, sipping on my margarita, with the noisy supply hidden in a box, I can still control the train in luxurious (and quiet) comfort, the controller in my lap next to the poodle. Very, very convenient.
I agree, having a remote control for the trains is the only way to go. Very useful when looking at problems as you can be far away from the power source when troubleshooting issues and a radio control is very useful.
I keep mine with me when I cut the grass and run trains!!
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