Hi Randy,
Although it wasn't intended to be used to pull anything from a handcar, that motor will pull 2 lightweight O27 pieces of rollingstock provided the handcar's traction tire is in good shape (and a little extra weight is added near the drive wheels). Surprisingly powerful! That is why I was concerned about my stall current readings.
Take care, Joe.
http://www.josephrampolla.com
https://www.youtube.com/user/christmasgarden
That same motor may well be in some HO applications as well, it's small enough.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Thanks for the reply and information! I am using a low-end digital multi-meter. The one Lionel can motor (for an O27 handcar) is by Mabuchi
http://www.mabuchi-motor.co.jp/cgi-bin/catalog/e_catalog.cgi?CAT_ID=fk_130rhsh
and I found the specs online. I get almost the same stall current figure, 0.45, as the spec sheet. It just seemed like it should be pulling more, but its good that it would work with an HO board having an upward limit of 1 amp.
I have never measured amps before, so I was leery of my understanding of things and quality of the multi-meter.
There's a holdover from the early days of model railroading that seems to think that O guage must draw 3-5 amps, HO 1-2 amps. As they did - 30-40 years ago. Modern can motors are MUCH more efficient - I have some HO locos with a stall current under .2 amp. I don't think any of my current locos come close to 1 amp, but if I break out some of my old 70's stuff it will be that high and more.
Hi CSX Robert,
Thanks for the reply and the information! Just what I needed to hear!
Most "HO" decoders are rated for at least 1 amp continuous, many are 1.25 or 1.5 amps.
Hi Folks,
In anticipation of the new BlueRail Trains Bluetooth HO boards offered as replacements for DCC boards, I want to try and use one of their first HO boards in an O gauge item. I am testing some of my O gauge can motors (stall current) and I am getting readings that seem a little too low, under 1 amp. My question: what is the typical/usual amperage limit of mid-priced DCC HO size board?
Thanks!