Running trains in Europe - A beginner's question

[DanBre]

Hi, I'm sort of new to model railroading (I messed around with it as a young teen but not in the last almost 30 years) and I've moved from Canada to Sweden. My question is this, will engines purchased from North America run on European current?

My thinking is that they should as they run on DC power from an AC powerpack but perhaps I am completely wrong.

Does anyone have a definitive answer?

[Scarpia]

To put it simply, DC or DCC engines work off of a much smaller voltage (among other things) than what comes out of the wall.

What you need to be concerned about is that the powerpack you have can step down the 220 to the standard (12 volt?) for a plain DC system. A lot of AC adapters now a days are dual voltage capable, even though the plugs might look otherwise. Take a look at the label on the adapter, they should list their capable range.

[simon1966]

Yes, your locos will run in Europe no problem.  You will almost certainly have to purchase a new DC power pack for your layout. as it is somewhat unlikely that the one you have is dual voltage capable for both 220V and 120V mains supply. 

For what it is worth, I run several British locomotives here in the US using my US made power source.  The trains don't care what the mains voltage is as long as they are seeing the correct voltage on the tracks.

[AlreadyInUse]

DanBre

...I've moved from Canada to Sweden. My question is this, will engines purchased from North America run on European current?

Will this be an ABBA lashup?

[Scarpia]

AlreadyInUse

Will this be an ABBA lashup?

 

If it is, I hope there's no need for an S.O.S.

 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

 I have to admit, the ABBA line went over my head. Then when the S.O.S. came up I got it.