N Scale Power Supplies And Wattage

August 19, 2011

Don asks if you can help:

“I am building my own power supply for my proposed n scale layout. I will use controllers to activate blocks of track. I do not plan on using DCC until I can demonstrate old-fashioned operations. Running several diesel headers on longer freight trains, I need to know what the current draw is of the typical locomotive manufacturer. I will start with Bachmann equipment, but want to build the power supply to handle higher quality equipment also. Since wattage is probably the best measure of the electricity needed to drive a locomotive, amperage probably varies as the voltage is manipulated. I would like to create a chart which provides voltage on the y axis juxtaposed against amperage draw on the x axis. Does anyone have these data, or a means to develop them, short of using a VOM or VTVM? As a corollary, do these data change based on load and/or grade, degree/tightness of curve endeavored by the locomotive? Thanks in advance.”

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