Discussion item

[Scott A Smiley <sc.smiley@juno.com>]

Let me open a topic for discussion by our members.  For the first time,
at the run run, we observed a train set up on the track and could not get
it going.  Everything was on the track but the train would nudge forward
them stop.  In our investigation, we determined that the circuit breaker
was blowing as the train starts.  This led us to believe that the train
was drawing so much power that it exceeded the capacity of the
transformer.  The train was a lighted passenger train of 12 cars and a 4
motor ABA unit.  After some checking with an amp meter, we found that
each car was taking about 0.3 amps or 3 cars to an amp or 4 amps for the
whole train to run the lights.  Then the engine tested in at like 1.5
amps without load, or 3 amps for the set.  this is a total of 7 amps and
a little more required for the load and a little more again to get it
going.  The transformer only puts out 7.5 amps at 18 volts, 135 watts,
hence the problem.

Enough background, here is the point to discuss.  Do we want to increase
the power available on some of the tracks?  Currently, track 2 and 3 are
controlled by an IC power master.  These units can handle can handle 300
watts or 16.5 watts.  Therfore, if we were to save our pennies and buy
one Lionel 180 watt power supply, 10 amps, we could connect two of the
existing transformers to one track and increase the power some to one and
a lot to another track.  The Lionel Powermasters only handle 135 watts so
more equipment would have to be purchased to increse power on tracks 1
and 4.  This transformer costs about $65 plus shipping.  Result would be
2 tracks at 7.5 amps, one at 10 amps and one at 15 amps (wouldn't that
blow your whistle).

Should we put this on our wish list?  After we get the dues paid, we
should have enough cash on hand for this improvement ( As well as the
other priority items) if it is thought the we need this.

Scott

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