HO Locomotive current draw

[Anonymous]

I know this is a newbish question, but I'm planning my first railroad right now and am trying to decide which DCC system to buy. The one I'm thinking of only produces two and a half amps. I plan to run brand new Athearn locomotives with relatively short consists (rarely more than 10 cars.) How much will a locomotive like that draw?

[Don Gibson]

0. 9 amps starting, 0.5 amps 12 v. running

[Anonymous]

Something you may wi***o consider is how many trains you will be running. If you're only running one or two at a time, any DCC system should work. If you're planning to run a lot of trains or consists of three or four locomotives on each of two or three trains, this is where you'll need more power. Most entry level systems only have about a two or three amp limit, but can also be upgraded. My system is the MRC Prodigy Advance, which is rated at 3.5A, but only comes with a 2.5A power supply. That is sufficient for me at this time, but may need to be upgraded in the future. I don't know the details, but I've heard that MRC may be supplying a booster for this system in the future. Quite a few of the entry level systems offer a bit of upgradability which is a benefit as your layout grows. If you think you'll need this in the future, it's best to check into this now and buy accordingly. Best of luck to you in this endeavor!
-Joe

[dinwitty]

large layouts may require power boosters and maybe some distributed track power boosters so all the current isnt drawn from one power supply.

[barrydraper]

Another thing to consider is anything other than locomotives that will be run off the track buss. Lighted cars are one thing, accessory decoders (for switch motors or signals) are another. The total current for all devices must be supplied by your booster(s). This is not to say that you have to have lighted cars or accessory decoders, or even that you should, just that you need to add their current draw if you have them.

Barry Draper