Model train power falls into one of three categories. Alternating current (AC) is the preferred power for most O Gauge
O scale
O scale (or O gauge) is a scale commonly used for toy trains and model railroading. Originally introduced by German toy manufacturer Märklin around 1900, by the 1930s three-rail alternating current O gauge was the most common model railroad scale in the United States and remained …
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How do model trains run on DC?
DC Explained Direct Current (DC) is the simplest method of providing the power needed to run model trains. These are sometimes called analogue train sets. In DC, power is sent to the track and trains are controlled by varying the level of power supplied.
Are Lionel transformers AC or DC or DC?
In this regard, are Lionel transformers AC or DC? Over the years Lionel has produced locomotives that were labeled as DC (direct current) only. These locomotives were equipped with a DC "can" motor that had to be operated by a DC transformer, as an AC (alternating current) transformer would cause permanent damage to the motor.
What kind of power does a model train use?
Model train power falls into one of three categories. Alternating current (AC) is the preferred power for most O Gauge three-rail trains as well as some two-rail systems in smaller scales. In three-rail systems, the outer rails are both grounded, and the center rail is "hot." Click to see full answer.
Are model railways AC or DC?
DC (also known as analog operation) stands for Direct Current, the original and most common form of control for model railways.
Are Lionel transformers AC or DC?
Traditionally, Lionel trains run on AC but there are exceptions. And even when Lionel trains run on AC, they sometimes do some DC trickery. Let's explain. Traditional Lionel trains from before 1969 can generally run on either AC or DC, but are better off running on AC.
What voltage do model trains run on?
Model trains can run on anything from 5 V to over 18 V depending on their scale and type. While many small N scale trains run on 10 V to 12 V, the more common HO scale trains usually run around 14 V. Mid-size O gauge trains as well as the large G gauge trains can be even higher.
Can DC trains run on AC?
There are three types of model train power. Most O gauge three-rail trains and some two-rail systems in smaller sizes use alternating current (AC) to operate. Direct current (DC) is the most common method of connecting two rail systems. Positive and negative rail are connected by a positive rail.
Are Lionel O Gauge trains AC or DC?
Nearly all O Gauge trains use Alternating Current (AC) electricity to operate. Direct Current (DC) is far more common in two-rail trains.
Are Marx trains AC or DC?
Apparently Marx and other train transformers output pulsing DC current at up to 15 volts.
Can you run a DCC locomotive on DC?
DCC loco's can run on a DC system. At the factory the default value for a decoder is to have the loco run on both DCC and DC.
Why do trains use DC current?
Direct current, either directly supplied, or converted from AC onboard a train, is the most commonly used. This is because, according to railsystem.net, "DC consumes less energy compared to an AC unit for operating the same service conditions.
How are model trains powered?
On model railways, electricity comes from the household supply and is connected to the rails by wires with clips that attach to the underside of the track or are soldered on. When the train is placed on the rails, electricity flows through the rails to the wheels.
Are diesel electric trains AC or DC?
In a diesel–electric locomotive, the diesel engine drives either an electrical DC generator (generally, less than 3,000 horsepower (2,200 kW) net for traction), or an electrical AC alternator-rectifier (generally 3,000 horsepower (2,200 kW) net or more for traction), the output of which provides power to the traction ...
How long will a model railroad power supply last?
Most power supplies will perform very well for years if used within their limits. It is not uncommon to see 50-year-old transformers still going strong on a model railroad. You should take care, however, to replace worn cords and wires. Keep the power supplies in an area where they get plenty of air circulation to prevent overheating.
What is AC power?
Model train power falls into one of three categories. Alternating current ( AC) is the preferred power for most O Gauge three-rail trains as well as some two-rail systems in smaller scales. In three-rail systems, the outer rails are both grounded, and the center rail is "hot.". Most two-rail track systems use direct current (DC).
What is the difference between amps and volts?
This does not change with the throttle. The more amperage you have available, the more you can do with it. If volts are the flow of water , amps are the force.
Why do you need a built in circuit breaker?
Also, you must have a built-in circuit breaker to prevent a short circuit from causing permanent damage to the power supply or the trains.
How do different scales work?
Different scales generally run on different voltages. By varying the voltage, you can increase or decrease the speed of the train. A common analogy is the flow of water through a pipe. Amps are the amount of power. This does not change with the throttle.
How to keep trains on track?
Likewise, if you only want to run one train at a time, you can keep other trains on the track by wiring with blocks, and turning off trains that are not in use.
Can you use a secondary power supply for a lighted building?
It can be a great secondary power supply for lighted buildings, signals, and other accessories. Serving these devices with their own dedicated supply will not only allow you to supply them with a proper constant voltage, but it will also free your main power supply to handle the load of the train itself.
What type of power does a Lionel transformer emit?
Traditional Lionel transformers like this KW emit AC power for the train, and DC power for the tender when you use the whistle controller.
What type of motor did Lionel trains use?
Traditional Lionel trains used an open-frame motor that technically will run on either AC or DC. This was important early in the 20th century. Most homes that had electricity ran on AC, but there were some parts of the country that had DC power. Some houses didn’t have electricity.
Why did Lionel train downmarket?
Lionel trains were no longer the hottest thing going, so Lionel wanted to move downmarket to try to increase sales. To that end, Lionel tried putting cheap DC motors and power packs in their inexpensive trains intended for discount stores like Kmart and Zayre.
How did Lionel activate the relay?
By injecting DC power on the track in addition to the AC, Lionel could activate the relay, which in turn activated the motor in the tender to blow the whistle. The motor in the engine didn’t mind the DC and continued to run, and the motor in the tender ignored the AC.
Do Lionel trains run on AC?
Traditionally, Lionel trains run on AC but there are exceptions. And even when Lionel trains run on AC, they sometimes do some DC trickery. Let’s explain. Traditional Lionel trains from before 1969 can generally run on either AC or DC, but are better off running on AC.
Can Lionel run on AC?
Attempting to run a DC-powered Lionel on AC causes malfunctions. It’ll make a ton of noise, but it won’t move. If you have one of those trains, power it with an HO scale transformer to keep from burning up the motor.
Can you use DC on Lionel motors?
One downside to using DC on a traditional open-frame Lionel motor is that it can magnetize the reverse unit over time and eventually cause it to stick. Another downside to using DC is it interferes with the whistle unit in the tender.
What is DC train?
Direct Current (DC) is the simplest method of providing the power needed to run model trains. These are sometimes called analogue train sets. In DC, power is sent to the track and trains are controlled by varying the level of power supplied. The voltage sent to the rails correlates to either an increase or decrease in speed - more voltage equals faster speed.
How do DC trains work?
DC trains are controlled by varying the voltage supplied to the track. The operator essentially controls the track, rather than the trains. An increase in voltage means trains will run faster and a decrease will mean they run slower. All trains on the same circuit of track will operate in the same way - there is no independence (unless multiple circuits and separate power supplies are used).
How are DCC trains controlled?
DCC trains have a constant voltage supplied to the track, and trains are controlled using a DCC decoder fitted to the locomotives. In DCC, multiple trains can be controlled independently. The operator is controlling the trains and not the track.
What is a DCC ready locomotive?
What does DCC Ready mean? A model railway locomotive that's DCC Ready is fitted with a DCC socket, but no DCC decoder. In order to run this locomotive on a DCC controlled layout, a decoder will need to be fitted. DCC Ready locos can still be safely used on DC layouts.
What is DCC in model railways?
Digital Command Control (DCC) is a more advanced system of operating a model railway. As the name implies, this is a digital system rather than an analogue one. In DCC, power is constantly supplied to the rails, and the movement of each train is controlled using a DCC decoder fitted to each locomotive. When the operator issues instructions using the command station, these are transmitted through the track, to all locomotives. However, these instructions are only acted upon by the locomotive for which they were intended.
What does it mean when a train voltage is variable?
Varying the voltage will mean that all trains (on track wired to the circuit) will increase or decrease in speed at the same time - there is no independence. In DC, the only way to have independent control over multiple trains is to have different sections of track using their own supply of power.
What is DC and DCC?
DC and DCC are both methods of supplying electricity to a train set or model railway, in order to control the movement of trains. There are some similarities and differences between the two, which will need to be considered when determining the answer to whether DCC versus DCC model trains is the best option for you.
Starter Sets
Volts, Amps, and Watts
- All power supplies will be rated for volts, amps, and watts. Understanding the difference is important in getting the right power supply for your needs. Here are some simple definitions for these electrical terms: 1. Voltsdetermine the volume of power your train will receive and with conventional control is adjustable. Different scales generally run on different voltages. By varyin…
Ac, DC, and DCC
- Model train power falls into one of three categories. Alternating current (AC) is the preferred power for most O Gauge three-rail trains as well as some two-rail systems in smaller scales. In three-rail systems, the outer rails are both grounded, and the center rail is "hot." Most two-rail track systems use direct current (DC). One rail is positive...
Radio and Bluetooth Control Systems
- The next evolution in model train control is radio- or bluetooth-controlled trains. These sets use a remote control which talks directly to a receiver in the locomotive. In some cases. Some systems will use bluetooth technology enabling you to control the trains with your tablet or cell phone. Like command control, these trains still require a constant voltage to the rails. The power supply tha…
Extending The Reach of Your Power
- It is important to remember that the real test of the power supply is the load you'll place on it. This comes primarily from the locomotive(s) but also from lights and other accessories. A locomotive on a mile-long loop will draw as many amps as it does on a 4x8 platform. The chances are that little power supply isn't going to keep the train running over a full mile, however. You can use bu…
Circuit Protection
- Like all electronic products, you want to make sure your power supplies are rated by the appropriate body for your country (UL for example). Also, you must have a built-in circuit breaker to prevent a short circuit from causing permanent damage to the power supply or the trains. With the ever-increasing amount of small electronics in today's sophisticated models, this protection i…