Molly Ayala
HO scale locomotives are a popular choice for model railroads, with a variety of options available, including steam, diesel, and electric locomotives. Improving the electrical performance of these locomotives can be achieved through various methods. One common issue is maintaining traction, and while sanding the model railroad track can improve traction, it can interfere with the locomotive's electrical contact and power pickup. To enhance electrical performance, it is recommended to use products like Bullfrog Snot and clean the rails with a cloth dampened with mineral spirits. Additionally, understanding the power requirements of HO scale trains, which typically run on 14V, and using appropriate transformers and controllers can help prevent damage to the locomotive's electrical system.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 14V |
| Voltage when stationary | 0V |
| Voltage when locomotive goes flat out | 14V |
| Power pack voltage output with no load | 19.1V |
| Power pack voltage output under full load | 16.0V |
| Locomotive pulling power | Depends on the torque of the motor and its ability to turn |
| Traction improvement | Use Bullfrog Snot on the drivers, not the railhead |
| Locomotive electrical contact | May be affected by sanding model railroad track |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid sanding model railroad tracks
Improving the electrical performance of HO scale locomotives can be a tricky task. While sanding model railroad tracks might seem like a good idea to improve traction, it is generally advised against. Here are several reasons why you should avoid sanding model railroad tracks:
Interference with Electrical Contact: Sanding the tracks can interfere with the locomotive's ability to maintain proper electrical contact with the rails. This can lead to issues with power transmission and, in the case of individually driven traction vehicles, can even interfere with electrical signaling and braking operations.
Increased Grime and Arcing: Roughening the surface of the rails through sanding will cause them to accumulate grime and dirt more quickly. This will result in the need for more frequent cleaning, which can smooth out the rails over time, negating any traction advantage gained from sanding. Increased arcing may also occur due to the rough railheads, leading to additional issues.
Alternative Methods: There are alternative methods to improve traction without resorting to sanding. One recommended product is Bullfrog Snot, which can be applied to the second set of drivers on HO scale locomotives to enhance performance on steep inclines. Additionally, ensuring that your car trucks roll smoothly and that your rails are clean and free of debris can also improve traction.
Battery-Operated Locomotives: If your locomotives run on batteries with radio control, sanding may not be an issue as electrical contact with the rails is not a concern. However, this is not a common setup for HO scale trains, so it may not be a viable option for most enthusiasts.
Overall, while sanding model railroad tracks might seem like a straightforward solution to improve traction, it can lead to a host of other problems. It is recommended to explore alternative methods and best practices to enhance the performance of your HO scale locomotives without compromising their electrical systems.
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Use Bullfrog Snot on driver wheels
Bullfrog Snot is a sophisticated, specially formulated, room-temperature curing, one-part "green" liquid plastic with unique properties. It was created by a veteran N-scaler to improve traction on model railroads, but it can also be used on other items such as monorails, turntables, slot cars, Lego wheels, driveshaft couplings, and sewing machines.
Bullfrog Snot is easy to apply and only requires a toothpick for installation. It can be applied in thin layers to the driver wheels of HO trains. It is recommended to only apply it to one or two driver wheels per locomotive, not the railhead. The product forms a thin, grippy plastic traction tire that becomes invisible after curing. It is advised to allow the wheels to turn as the Bullfrog Snot cures, and then let it fully cure overnight.
Bullfrog Snot improves traction, ensuring that small engines can pull more load without slipping. It is also long-lasting, with a 2-5 year shelf life when properly stored. Over time, the Bullfrog Snot may glaze, causing the grip to diminish. To restore the grip, a brush-style wheel cleaner or a "burn-out" can be used.
Bullfrog Snot is a good alternative to sanding model railroad tracks, which can interfere with the locomotive's electrical contact and power. By applying Bullfrog Snot to the driver wheels, you can improve the locomotive's performance, especially on steep helixes, without compromising electrical contact.
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Use a transformer and controller
HO scale trains are designed to run on 14 volts, as they have bigger motors and need more power. The voltage increases from 0 volts when the train is stationary to 14 volts when the locomotive is going flat out. Using higher voltages will cause the motor to heat up and may cause it to burn out.
To ensure you don't damage your trains with an oversupply of power, it is best to use a transformer and controller. These are often provided by the manufacturer (Atlas, Athearn, Bowser, Kato, or Walthers), or you can use a unit made by Gauge Master in the UK. These are suitable for N, OO, and HO scale model railways.
The transformer and controller will ensure that the voltage does not exceed 14 volts. This is important because, as mentioned, higher voltages will cause the motor to heat up and may burn it out. The controller will allow you to increase the voltage gradually, ensuring you do not exceed the maximum voltage.
The electrical power supplied by the transformer and controlled by the controller is used for three main functions: powering the motor that makes the train move, powering accessories such as lights and automatic couplers, and powering sound systems.
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Understand Back EMF
Back EMF, or Back Electro-Motive-Force, is a force that resists the current supplied to the motor. It is a side effect of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). When power is disconnected from the motor, the decoder can measure the voltage generated, and then monitor and compensate for variations in speed. This is how BEMF helps to control the speed of the locomotive.
The BEMF limits the maximum rotational speed while resisting the current. This makes the DC Motor a self-regulating machine. The current through the motor decreases as the rotational speed increases, and a free-spinning motor draws very little current. Only when a load is applied to the motor, which slows the rotor, will the current drawn through the motor increase.
BEMF can compensate for a poor motor to an extent, but only if the motor is already turning. It won't help a motor with poor low-speed performance start at a lower speed, but it may help it run more smoothly once it's moving.
Modern BEMF decoders have made BEMF more realistic in terms of train handling when working with multiple consisted BEMF-powered engines. The goal is to use the BEMF voltage to improve the model engines' prototypical response to a train under any and all operating conditions. Smooth starts and constant speeds can be achieved with BEMF, which was not possible with DC throttles.
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Use a cheap DC power pack
HO scale trains are designed to run on 14V, as they have bigger motors and need more power. The voltage can be increased from 0V when stationary to 14V when the locomotive is going flat out. Using higher voltages will cause the motor to heat up and may burn it out. Therefore, it is important to use a transformer and controller provided by the manufacturer to avoid oversupplying and damaging your trains.
A cheap DC power pack that doesn't provide pulsed power is a good option for HO scale trains. While it may seem counterintuitive, a cheaper option is preferable to an expensive one in this case. If you have a pulsed power pack, you may be able to use a multimeter with an AC current scale, although the accuracy of this method is uncertain. The Kato DC Power Pack, for example, produces a form of pulsed power and is not the best choice.
To measure stall current, you can press the locomotive down onto the track, ensuring the wheels cannot turn, and then turn the throttle up to full. You can then measure the current being drawn from the power pack with an ammeter. It is important to note that some DC power packs can output a very high maximum voltage, sometimes exceeding 20V. When testing stall current, it is recommended to set the throttle to an intermediate speed with a lower voltage similar to what will be used on the DCC track.
Stall current is directly proportional to voltage. If you want to ensure your decoder can handle a higher-voltage system without risking damage to the loco, you can test it at a lower voltage, divide by that voltage, and then multiply by the target voltage. For example, if a loco has a stall current of 160 mA at 6 volts, and you want to use it on an 18-volt system, you can test it at 6 volts, divide by 6, and then multiply by 18 to get the desired voltage.
The pulling power of an HO scale locomotive is derived from the torque of the motor and its ability to turn, which is influenced by the current through the motor and the voltage. The relationship between these factors is complex but is essential to understanding the electrical power requirements of the locomotive, which include power for the motor, accessories such as lights, and sound systems.
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Frequently asked questions
No, sanding the model railroad track is not recommended as it will interfere with the locomotive's electrical contact with the rails and its ability to pick up rail power. This may cause issues with the locomotive's performance.
HO scale locomotives are designed to run on 14 volts. Using higher voltages may damage the motor, so it is important to use the transformer and controller provided by the manufacturer or a trusted brand like Gauge Master.
Voltage is directly related to the current through the motor, which determines the locomotive's power output. Increasing the voltage will increase the speed, but it will also increase the Back Electromotive Force (Back EMF), reducing the power. Therefore, it is important to maintain the appropriate voltage to ensure optimal performance.
A cheap DC power pack that provides a steady output is recommended. Pulsed power packs may not be suitable as they can affect the performance of the locomotive. It is important to choose a power pack that matches the voltage requirements of your HO scale locomotive.
The locomotive's power requirements will increase when pulling multiple cars due to the additional friction and load. Ensure that your power pack can provide sufficient voltage and current to handle the increased load. Additionally, maintaining smooth-rolling car trucks and applying products like Bullfrog Snot to the driver wheels can help improve performance.
