Lighted Caboose...How does this solve problems?

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

Hi. I’m sure a lot of you veterans can easily answer this question. When running certain locos without a lighted caboose or no type of light connected to your track, the loco may not run smoothly. It will sputter for no reason, the horn or bell will sound for no reason, etc. I know that a lighted caboose or connecting a light to your track will solve this problem.

My question is, exactly what is it that the light does that cures this problem? I’ve looked around for a technical answer; but haven’t been able to fine one yet.

Thanks

2

Hi
Which kind of engine do you have?
Is AC or DC motors.
Did you try with another power pack?
Andre.

3

darianj,

Many newer transformers use a voltage regulation technique to apply a chopped sine wave to the track instead of using a wiper on a transformer coil. These new transformers can have very high voltage spikes that can trigger sound circuits and cause some control circuits to react strangely.

The light bulb puts additional load on the transformer that can help suppress the spikes. Can motors and basic electronic control circuits do not draw much power (in the range of .25 to 1 ampere for a small loco). An 18 volt bulb, depending on the type, can draw from .1 to .3 amperes, and acts as an inductive/resistive load on the transformer. This is why some folks use a lighted lockon or attach a few hidden bulbs across the track circuit.

Regards,
Roy

4

One is the MTH Triplex with PS2 and the others are MTH subway sets; 1 PS1 and 1 PS2. I don’t know if they are AC or DC…i gues that’s another question: How do you tell if it isn’t listed anywhere in the literature?
Right now, I only have one type of power pack.

Roy,
Thanks for the info.

5

Those are all DC motored. Older PW stuff mainly used open frame universal motors. Modern Lionel equipment labled with PullMor used AC universal motors as well.

As Roy posted above, a modern switching power supply needs to see some kind of load to start functioning. Our modern toy trains with computer controlled electronics have a tendancy to “see” things inside the power waveform. By using a lightbulb you attenuate these spurious signals that the loco’s electronics may mistake as “commands”. Real commands signal levels are usually higher and more sharply defiined and thus discernable by the onboard electronics. The light bulb acts as a filter/choke.