Large Scale Central

Train getting sluggish, transformer getting warm

Electronics Power and Sound
#1

Now that the layout is up and running, I’m noticing that on many occasions, after the train has been running for 1-2 hours, it starts getting sluggish and eventually reaches a point where stalls on the steepest grade. This is with the modified Buddy L 2-6-2. I’ve also noticed that the transformer (cheapo 18v thing that came with the starter set) gets pretty toasty about this time, too.

I’m guessing the two are related, not sure which one is the cause and which one is the effect. Just at a guess though, I’d say the loco is straining pulling the weight of the train, plus the added weight for traction, and the underpowered transformer eventually overheats, putting out less power until the train finally stalls. Is this correct, or is something else going on? Today when the Buddy L loco started stalling, I put the Bachmann 45 ton on instead, and it went just fine.

Would a better transformer help, or will this always be a problem with this particular loco?

#2

Maybe adding vent holes and a heat sink to the BuddyL loco motor will help keep it cool.

-Brian

#3

As electric motors heat up, they require more amperage. Cooling the Buddy L would help, but you really need a better power source.
I have the same problem when using my MRC 6200. When I use my 10 amp Crest (Aristo) things run much better. I also find the Buddy L has poor power pick up.
My Big Haulers run smoother for a much longer period of time even using the smaller power supply.
Ralph

#4
Brian Donovan said:
Maybe adding vent holes and a heat sink to the BuddyL loco motor will help keep it cool.

-Brian


Or a small fan. Fans used for computer chipsets and video cards are quite small and run on 12v.
Ralph

#5

Ray:

Starter or set power supplies are always marginal even for their intended use: Running a short train around a circle or oval on a level floor for the amount of time a child remains interested, which is sometimes measured in seconds! The manufacturer’s goal was to provide something that will work for that duty for the absolute lowest cost possible. Actually, it seems the manufacturer of your power supply has well exceeded those requirements.

You now have a real mountain RR, with grades, longer trains, and longer operating times. Ralph’s analysis above is most likely correct. This situation where the motor warms up and requires more amperage is further exacerbated by your grades. The higher amperage draw in turn heats up the marginal power supply, which drops the voltage, causing more motor heating, which causes the power supply to heat up more. Just a closed cycle based on the low capability of the set PS. You can observe and verify this by hooking a volt / ohm meter into the track supply circuit.

You really need a larger, more capable power supply. Putting cooling on a device that has marginal output is not going to make the basic problem go away. I don’t use track power, so can’t advise you as to brand or model, but I can advise that the existing set supply can serve as a bench test supply for all kinds of future projects.

Just my opinion: Your mileage may vary!!

BTW, I’ve looked at your website and the RR is really looking good. I grew up in S. D. County and spent lots of time in the eastern mountains and deserts. You have really done a good representation of that area!! Congratulations on getting it operational!

Happy RRing,

Jerry

#6

Dropping by my house to pick up a 6200 will help a lot Ray! Got your email, set the date, can leave it out for you at a pre-arranged spot.

Regards, Greg

#7

or we could just stop by your house, forcibly remove you from your work, toss you in the “van”, then over the course of a weekend Up-North…brainwash you into using batteries…

#8
Cale Nelson said:
or we could just stop by your house, forcibly remove you from your work, toss you in the "van", then over the course of a weekend Up-North...brainwash you into using batteries.......
LOL!
#9
Cale Nelson said:
... forcibly remove you from your work, ...brainwash you into using batteries.......
Isn't assault and batteries a felony? Just asking.
#10
Chris Vernell said:
Cale Nelson said:
... forcibly remove you from your work, ...brainwash you into using batteries.......
Isn't assault and batteries a felony? Just asking.
Only if you get caught. :D
#11
Steve Featherkile said:
Chris Vernell said:
Cale Nelson said:
... forcibly remove you from your work, ...brainwash you into using batteries.......
Isn't assault and batteries a felony? Just asking.
Only if you get caught. :D
Well, I'm safe from brainwashing, anyway, since it requires that there be a brain to be washed ...
#12
Chris Vernell said:
Steve Featherkile said:
Chris Vernell said:
Isn't assault and batteries a felony? Just asking.
Only if you get caught. :D
Well, I'm safe from brainwashing, anyway, since it requires that there be a brain to be washed ...
You heard it here first, folks! :lol: :D :lol:
#13
Greg Elmassian said:
Dropping by my house to pick up a 6200 will help a lot Ray! Got your email, set the date, can leave it out for you at a pre-arranged spot.
Thanks Greg! I don't know if you got my second email, but we'd like to come up on Friday, sometime between 11am and 1 or 2pm, if that's ok. I'll need directions, and where to find the transformer.
#14
Chris Vernell said:
Cale Nelson said:
... forcibly remove you from your work, ...brainwash you into using batteries.......
Isn't assault and batteries a felony? Just asking.
No, it's "Assault With Batteries"
#15
Steve Featherkile said:
Chris Vernell said:
Well, I'm safe from brainwashing, anyway, since it requires that there be a brain to be washed ...
You heard it here first, folks! :lol: :D :lol:
Yah, but my wife's been saying it for years :P
#16

Thanks to Greg E., I now have an MRC 6200 to play with. Haven’t had a chance yet to do an extended run, just a few laps around the layout. Works fine so far!