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HO Scale Locomotive Current Draw

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  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Vancouver Island, BC
  • 23,330 posts
Posted by selector on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 9:47 PM

Scale was mentioned in the title, Jay. Big Smile [:D]

Even when new, the older open frame motors drew somewhat more current than modern can motors.  When they're unused for many years, they almost seize up due to some corrosion and the lubes losing much of their volatiles.  They will be almost as good as new with some cleaning and re-lubing, but probably not as good as the can motors.  So, I would say that Jeff is quite right in his stated amperages.  Of course, the work the engine is being asked to do will also add to the draw, so a simple RS-2 with a non-sound decoder doing a scale 15 mph on the flats might only draw 1/4 amp or less.  Add sound, add 10 weighted hoppers, yada yada, you could be near 0.6 amps all the way up to a full amp in some cases.  The thing to remember is that the older motor will almost certainly be between 30-100% higher than that.

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: S.E. Adirondacks, NY
  • 3,246 posts
Posted by modelmaker51 on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 6:29 PM
You really need to be more specific. How old is old? What brand/model? What scale?

Jay 

C-415 Build: https://imageshack.com/a/tShC/1 

Other builds: https://imageshack.com/my/albums 

  • Member since
    June 2004
  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 6:09 PM
Some of my newer locos draw as little as 1/4 of an amp. One of my older ones (79 Athearn) draws almost a full amp. It's in line for a new motor.

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
          Joined June, 2004

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  • Member since
    April 2008
  • From: Sunbury, Ohio
  • 14 posts
HO Scale Locomotive Current Draw
Posted by BTP Productions on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 5:09 PM
How much current do older and newer HO scale locomotives draw?
Brandon Townley

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