Power

[Anonymous]

I have just started doing garden railroad. The power pack that came with it works ok, but it seams like I need more power. The power pack that came with the set seams to be the same size that I use on my HO scale. Question is can I use either one for G scale and HO scale? or is there a different.
Vic

[Anonymous]

I have just started doing garden railroad. The power pack that came with it works ok, but it seams like I need more power. The power pack that came with the set seams to be the same size that I use on my HO scale. Question is can I use either one for G scale and HO scale? or is there a different.
Vic

[Anonymous]

You can use your HO power pack for G-scale, but I wouldn't use the G-scale power pack for HO. G-scale runs up to 18 volts DC. HO, N, O, etc. limit out around 12-14 volts. Although the motors may handle more, you run the risk of burning out the motor rotors.

Whether you are truly running out of power depends on how many locos you are running, whether they have lights, flicker circuits for the ash pans and grate (if it's a steamer), lights on any of the cars or caboose, a sound systems, multiple locos, etc. Every time you add something with more motors, lights or sounds, you draw more current. The power packs that come with starter sets will work fine for one loco with lights and probably sound, plus a few lighted passenger cars or a lighted caboose. If you add more, you might quickly run out of power. Also, if you are running on other than level track, your loco motor will draw more current to climb the grade.

About the only way to really determine whether you have enough is to check the details on your rolling stock to see if they list the power draw in watts or amps, add up the total and compare to the output of your power pack.

[Anonymous]

You can use your HO power pack for G-scale, but I wouldn't use the G-scale power pack for HO. G-scale runs up to 18 volts DC. HO, N, O, etc. limit out around 12-14 volts. Although the motors may handle more, you run the risk of burning out the motor rotors.

Whether you are truly running out of power depends on how many locos you are running, whether they have lights, flicker circuits for the ash pans and grate (if it's a steamer), lights on any of the cars or caboose, a sound systems, multiple locos, etc. Every time you add something with more motors, lights or sounds, you draw more current. The power packs that come with starter sets will work fine for one loco with lights and probably sound, plus a few lighted passenger cars or a lighted caboose. If you add more, you might quickly run out of power. Also, if you are running on other than level track, your loco motor will draw more current to climb the grade.

About the only way to really determine whether you have enough is to check the details on your rolling stock to see if they list the power draw in watts or amps, add up the total and compare to the output of your power pack.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for your help Vic

QUOTE: Originally posted by mlundquist

You can use your HO power pack for G-scale, but I wouldn't use the G-scale power pack for HO. G-scale runs up to 18 volts DC. HO, N, O, etc. limit out around 12-14 volts. Although the motors may handle more, you run the risk of burning out the motor rotors.

Whether you are truly running out of power depends on how many locos you are running, whether they have lights, flicker circuits for the ash pans and grate (if it's a steamer), lights on any of the cars or caboose, a sound systems, multiple locos, etc. Every time you add something with more motors, lights or sounds, you draw more current. The power packs that come with starter sets will work fine for one loco with lights and probably sound, plus a few lighted passenger cars or a lighted caboose. If you add more, you might quickly run out of power. Also, if you are running on other than level track, your loco motor will draw more current to climb the grade.

About the only way to really determine whether you have enough is to check the details on your rolling stock to see if they list the power draw in watts or amps, add up the total and compare to the output of your power pack.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for your help Vic

QUOTE: Originally posted by mlundquist

You can use your HO power pack for G-scale, but I wouldn't use the G-scale power pack for HO. G-scale runs up to 18 volts DC. HO, N, O, etc. limit out around 12-14 volts. Although the motors may handle more, you run the risk of burning out the motor rotors.

Whether you are truly running out of power depends on how many locos you are running, whether they have lights, flicker circuits for the ash pans and grate (if it's a steamer), lights on any of the cars or caboose, a sound systems, multiple locos, etc. Every time you add something with more motors, lights or sounds, you draw more current. The power packs that come with starter sets will work fine for one loco with lights and probably sound, plus a few lighted passenger cars or a lighted caboose. If you add more, you might quickly run out of power. Also, if you are running on other than level track, your loco motor will draw more current to climb the grade.

About the only way to really determine whether you have enough is to check the details on your rolling stock to see if they list the power draw in watts or amps, add up the total and compare to the output of your power pack.