O gauge transformer

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I have an o gauge transformer from a couple years ago. Now i have an ho layout and i am wondering if i could wire the transformer for ho.

2

O gauge is set up to run AC, HO requires DC to run the trains and AC for some accessories.

Your standard garden variety HO power supply contains a rectifier that converts 120 AC to 15V DC. Most accessories are setup to run HO at 18V AC. An O gauge transformer may have a variety of taps and depending on how you wire it, you can get maybe 6V, 14V & 20V.

I’d check with your local hobby dealer or someone who has had experience actually using such a transformer before installing it with HO even if just operating accessories.

HTH

Mark

3

You can sometimes get add-on throttles that take 14-16V AC as input. I have a number of them. Often they come as handhelds with a length of flexible wire.
I use old Lionel transformers with them. A lot of them included fancy acceleration and braking features.
Your hobby shop may have them in stock.

4
  1. an electric shop nerd would know what to do.
  2. if you’re not an electric shop nerd, you probably don’t want to get involved.
  3. HO transformers are cheap and plentiful (check train shows, yard sales, etc.)
  4. if you insist on converting your AC “O” guage: a rectifier is needed to keep the electricity from wiggling back and forth and flow in one direction. add a voltmeter so you don’t exceed the fifteen volts or your train will smoke and smell funny, and don’t let these additions touch the track or your layout will smoke and smell funny, -rick