Power requirements for MU's

[Anonymous]

I will soon be converting my HO layout to DCC. I have heard that you need at least one amp for every two locomotives running at the same time. Is this true, and can you recommend a good starter system? My layout is small; only 8 X 20 ft. I have 2% grades, a double track mainline and a 16 ft. yard. I would like the ability to run up to 8 locos at the same time with lights and sound.

[cacole]

The current draw depends more on the type (manufacturer) of locomotives you are running than anything else. As a general rule, a good quality locomotive such as those currently marketed by Atlas, Kato, Stewart, Proto 2000, Athearn Genesis, and Broadway Limited, have can motors that draw no more than .25 Amps when running. Sound systems draw a slight amount; perhaps .25 Amp at full volume. Older Athearn, Roundhouse, Mantua, Tyco, Bachmann, etc. can draw between .5 and .75 Amps each, depending on their age and type of motor used. Most of the higher end DCC system boosters have an output of between 3 and 4 Amps, and a layout can have multiple boosters if more power is needed. With a 4 Amp booster, I have ran 9 Proto2000 GP-9 locomotives as a single consist without overloading the system. You'll know when you have exceeded the limit, because your DCC system overload protection circuits should kick in and shut down the layout.

[Anonymous]

Thanks cacole. I plan on using Atlas, Broadway Limited, and Proto 2000 locos when I convert. I'm still not set on a particular DCC system yet but I'll do plenty of homework before I lay my money down.

[Anonymous]

Try and go to a train show where you can see and perhaps use several DCC systems.
The vendors have booths setup and usually several demo units to fool around with. It was a huge help to me in selecting a new DCC system.