Re: Discussion item

["Steve Wise" <swise@aoot.com>]

I'm all for this.  Perhaps we should put a TPC on line 1 so we can get
10-15amps on line 1?



----- Original Message -----
From: "Scott A Smiley" <sc.smiley@juno.com>
To: <ttat-members@aoot.com>
Sent: Saturday, January 25, 2003 10:09 AM
Subject: Discussion item


> 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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