emc@g.cs.cmu.edu (Edmund Clarke) (01/20/86)
I am just a beginner in model railroading, and I have a problem concerning the energy my power pack can take. My power pack has reached its limit in the amount of accessories it can handle (any more will overload it). I was wondering if there was any device for model railroading that can supply me with more A.C. power for accessories(lights,smoke units, and A.C. motors), WITHOUT having to purchase a second power pack. If there if such a device, how many more accessories will it let me handle (100,200,300,400 more accessories)? What is the price range for this device? Who makes this device? And where can I get this device, can I get it from a local hobby shop or do I have to send away for it? I am using HO scale, if it matters.
saf@bonnie.UUCP (Steve Falco) (01/24/86)
> I was wondering if there was any device for model railroading that can supply > me with more A.C. power for accessories(lights,smoke units, and A.C. motors), > WITHOUT having to purchase a second power pack. If you wish to use two separate power packs, you MUST split the load up into two separate circuits. You cannot just connect two packs to the same circuit, because if one puts out slightly more voltage than the other, it will do all the work. If one puts out SIGNIFICANTLY more voltage than the other, you will actually create a short and burn up both packs. Also you would have to get the phasing correct including the effect of reversing switches. DON'T TRY IT! You can also consider using one pack for just accessories and one pack for the trains - this will split the load somewhat. If you go that route, get a big enough unit to handle ALL your planned accessories and use your existing pack to run the trains. Steve Falco