Transformer \ engine size

[Anonymous]

How can you tell how much or what size transformer you need. I purchased a N gauge older set but it didn't have a transformer and the gentleman I purchased it from warned me to be careful not to use the wrong size or I could burn up the motor. And yes.........I am new to this.
thanks again. Mike

[Anonymous]

Well Im sitting here looking at 5 different transformers (power packs)and I think you'd be surprised. Their all listed as...

Input: 120v @50/60 Hz.
Output: 0-18 V.D.C.- 20 V.A.C.
Max Output 6 V.A.
2 packs are Tyco
1 pack is Life Like
1 pack is Bachmann (listed Ho/N)
1 is a MRC Trainpack

(Granted all but 1 has been used for Ho!!)
The MRC has a SLIGHT higher output rating (MARGINAL!!). I gathered the toy ones from when I was a kid, MRC is WELL known. Most "serious" models Ive seen use MRC, but it only matters to YOU!! I dont think you have anything to worry about,this power problem is something I never thought about. If you still have doubts drop by a local hobby shop, or ask the manufacture of the ENGINE. Good Luck and welcome to "THE WORLDS GREATEST HOBBY" Icemanmike2 - Milwaukee

[Anonymous]

Icemanmike,
Thanks so much for all the information! I appriciate you gathering all your transformers and comparing all the data from them. I really didn't want to take a chance and burn my new engine. Your findings make me feel a lot better. Now, first thing tomorrow after church, I will hook up the transformer I was having doubts about and see what my new engine can do.
Thanks once again.
What a great forum here. Been using the internet and various sites for about 8 years now but never ran accross one like this that someone would share so much good information trying to help others. So thanks again.
Mike-Ohio

[Anonymous]

Mike (Ohio) If your transformers sound similar to mine, you should be OK!! REMEMBER....NO ONE starts knowing everything!! (Becareful on the ones that do!!) Im glad I could help!! Good Luck & Have FUN!!
Icemanmike - Milwaukee

[Sperandeo]

Hello Mike,

I'm afraid you got some bad information. The size or capacity of the power pack (we call them that because they have more than just a transformer inside) doesn't pose any danger to your locomotive. You need a power pack that will provide sufficient current to run your locomotive, but any excess capacity is okay, as the locomotive will only use as much current as it needs. Your N scale locomotive probably requires less than half an ampere (amp) of power. The power pack cannot force more current than the locomotive needs through its motor.

Power pack ratings today are give in "voltamps," abbreviated "VA," which simply means volts times amps. To read the current capacity in amps divide the VA rating by 12, the nominal maximum voltage specified by the National Model Railroad Association. If the VA rating is 18, for example, you divide 18 by 12 and get 1.5, which tells you that under load the pack will deliver 1.5 amps at 12 volts.

If your model locomotive needs more current than a power pack can deliver, the locomotive will not be able to develop its full power and the pack may be overloaded. But there's absolutely no danger when the power pack's current capacity exceeds the requirements of the locomotive.

Voltage is another matter, and there are some power packs made for large-scale trains that deliver higher voltages than the standard 12 volts. Those higher voltages can cause smaller motors to overheat by running too fast. But in general as long as you use a power pack made for the common model train scales usually used indoors, HO or N, you won't have any problems.

At one time there were power packs specially designed for N scale, because a special speed control was needed with locomotives that used small amounts of current. Today, and for the last 15 years or so, the kinds of speed controllers used in power packs all work with low-current motors, so there's no longer a need for special N scale power packs.

Happy holidays,

Andy Sperandeo
MODEL RAILROADER Magazine

[BR60103]

Mike:
The one thing you have to beware of is using an old toy train transformer (Lionel, American Flyer, Marx) on your N. These deliver AC power and can destroy your motor. However, they can be used with add-on throttles that convert the AC to DC. (OK, you're not ready for that yet, but it's nice to know.)
--David