Large Scale Central

Question about AC and DC in O gauge trains

General Discussion
#1

I’m trying to understand the AC/DC aspects of O gauge trains.

With the exception of some MTH trains (and probably some others), is it true that most 3 rail O gauge trains run AC power through the track? Is it also true that most of these trains actually have DC can motors (and that the AC current is converted to DC before being sent to the motors)? Are the headlights and other lighting in these trains also expecting DC current (or AC)?

I’m interested in toying with circuitry to control these trains, and I’m trying to determine if sending DC current to the motor and lights will work for most cases (and if there are any cases where it won’t that I should be on the lookout for). It would be nice to be getting my power from a battery, and I’m trying to determine if there are any “gotchas”

From what I understand, most O scale 2-rail trains tend to be DC. Is that correct? Are the motor/lighting specs for these comparable?

Thanks.

#2

3-rail can be DC as well, thereby enabling you to run two trains one track a feature pioneered by Trix in the Trix-Twin H0 models of the early 1950’s.

Two-rail is usually either DC, or these days, it could also be DCC. The MTH system which is, as far as I know, unique to MTH models, is a sort of hybrid control system that is proprietary and unlike anything else.

IMO, sir, you are trying to invent something that has already not only already been invented, but perfected for many years, but don’t let that stop you from having fun.

tac

Ottawa Valley GRS

#3

Ray Pratschner said:

I’m trying to understand the AC/DC aspects of O gauge trains.

With the exception of some MTH trains (and probably some others), is it true that most 3 rail O gauge trains run AC power through the track?

yes

Is it also true that most of these trains actually have DC can motors (and that the AC current is converted to DC before being sent to the motors)?

no, the ac motors are usually “field wound”, at least the older stuff

Are the headlights and other lighting in these trains also expecting DC current (or AC)?

incandescent bulbs can run on AC or DC but the circuitry between the track and the lights comes into play, no single answer

I’m interested in toying with circuitry to control these trains, and I’m trying to determine if sending DC current to the motor and lights will work for most cases

nope, some rewiring of the field wound motors will be necessary, and probably most of the lights, especially directional ones

(and if there are any cases where it won’t that I should be on the lookout for).

you really need to either learn this or get someone to help you in person, this is not something that can be explained in a few sentences, nor can electrical debugging or electronic theory, sorry

It would be nice to be getting my power from a battery, and I’m trying to determine if there are any “gotchas”
From what I understand, most O scale 2-rail trains tend to be DC. Is that correct?

yes

Are the motor/lighting specs for these comparable?>> comparable to what?

Thanks.

#4

Greg.

Nowadays, most 0 gauge hi-rail 3 rail trains still run on AC to the track but usually they have regular DC motors.

The AC is converted to DC inside the locos.

#5

yep, why I said:

“>>>> no, the ac motors are usually “field wound”, at least the older stuff”

Thanks for the clarification, for the op… actually MTH will run DCS with AC on the rails too, but I did not want to add these levels of detail for fear of confusing the issue.

Bottom line, asking the questions are great, like what do they run on… but asking the question of how to convert indicates the op cannot do it himself, and needs a friend to help, or lots of donor locos to learn on…

Greg

#6

Ray, may I suggest that you ask your questions at the O Gauge Railroad forums. They will have the answers to your questions.