Need More POWER?

Garden Railroading
1

I am Running a Bachmann 10 wheeler Circus train indoors on an elevated track which is level. I also have the Circus 0-4-0 Porter running behind the 4-6-0
Of the 15 cars on the train, 6 of them are getting their power for the lights from the track. The sound is also running from track power.

I recently replaced the Bachmann Smoke unit with a 5 volt LGB smoke unit
as described on the “Bachmann Big Hauler Tips by George Schreyer” web page.
http://www.girr.org/girr/tips/tips1/big_hauler_tips.html

The smoke works really well when the engine is running by itself.
When it is with the train I don’t get any smoke.
I think I need a power supply with a higher amperage.

I currently am using an MRC200
15.5 VDC
17.0 VA

I think I would like to get something that will put out at least 5 amps but I am not sure.

How can I figure how much amperage I need?
Can anyone recommend a power supply?
Does anyone have a used one to sell?

Thanks
Ron

2

You’re right about needing more amperage when the full train is running, because of the lights on the circus cars. 17VA is about the same as saying 17 Watts, which is not nearly enough for what you are running. If I were you, I would shoot for a minimum 10 Amp power supply. 17 Watts at 15.5 volts is just over 1 Amp output, so you’re lucky your power supply is not turning into a smoke generator.

3

I have been very pleased with my Bridgewerks Magnum 15- a 15 amp transformer. Check out their website. The owner is very helpful with advice.

4

Get a power supply that is larger than you need for future expansion.
I have used the Bridgewerks 15 amp for several years and then added a second one back to back to give me 30 amps.
Just make sure that you fuse the track power to protect from the extra amps.
Too many amps is good.
Aristo makes a very good power supply that regulates a constant 22 volts to the track.
You would need a speed controler for the power supply if not running RC.[8D]