Everything on model trains, model railroads, model railways, locomotives, model train layouts, scenery, wiring, DCC and more. Enjoy the world's best hobby... model railroading!

background buildings model trains

Power Needed To Run Trains

Brian has a pwer output question for readers and asks:
I have two different 0 track layout on my 51″ x 132″ table. On one layout I have the Pennsylvania Flyer 0-8-0 Freight Starter Set with a CW 40 transformer. On this layout there is 14 straight 10 inch tracks and 8 036 curves. On the second layout I have The North pole centrale starter set with a CW 40 tansformer and this layout has 8 straight 10 inch tracks with 10 036 curves and two remote control switches, one left and one right. My question is about the transformers on these layout, are they powerful enought to handle the tracks on each layout. Thanks. I am very new to model trains.”
Readers can comment below.

3 Responses to Power Needed To Run Trains

  • Frank says:

    The length of the track is not important, unless it is very long, and your trains slow down at the far end. Then you would just need to run extra wires to the farthest track sections because the track connectors do not provide a good enough electrical contact.

    To put it most simply, your 12 Volt transformer puts out a certain maximum current, which will be marked on it’s specification label, such as 5 Amps, or 5A.
    Reckon that each HO locomotive takes a maximum of 1/2 Amp, so a 5 Amp transformer would give you a maximum of 10 locos running at the same time. But if you have accessories such as lighting on the layout, from the same transformer, add it’s current to that taken by the locomotives.
    The switches only take current for a fraction of a second when changing, so they can be ignored.
    If the total current taken by everything is equal to, or less than, the tranformer’s rated output current, you’re OK.
    (If your 12 Volt transformer is only marked with a power rating, such as 40 Watts (40W), reckon 6 Watts per locomotive, and add up the power ratings of the other items in the same way.)

    If model railways is your chosen hobby, you would be wise to get a basic course in electricity, such as starting off with the electricity section of a school physics text book. Also, most beginner’s books on model railways will provide the basic electrical knowledge.

  • Anonymous says:

    I may be mistaken but the comment was an HO answer for an “O” guage question?

  • norman h riley says:

    All of your hints are so very helpfull.

    Than you

    yours in peace
    nhriley

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Add a photo or image related to your comment (JPEG only)

SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION

scale model building stores
scale model building yard freight office
low relief yard railways
scale model building tall background

Download Your Free Catalog

wild west town model

Use Tiny Railroad Micro Controllers

scale model building house

Model Train Help Ebook

Model Railroading Blog Archive

Reader Poll

Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.