Subject:
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Re: 12v Trains
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.trains
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Date:
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Fri, 31 Aug 2001 15:48:36 GMT
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Viewed:
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1646 times
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Greg Kramer wrote:
>
> This is a topic near to my heart -- I too decided to run 12v on my layout at
> home. There are some challenges, but it is a lot of fun. On to your questions:
>
> In lugnet.trains, Mark Williams writes:
> > Since I decided to go the hard route and not go with 9v trains, how am I
> > going to power them? (My primary reason for choosing 12v over 9v is the
> > availability of remote points and accessories.) I believe Lego made a 12v
> > transformer for 110 electricity but finding one will be a problem.
>
> I've never seen a 110 transformer for 12v. But the 220 transformers can be
> found fairly easily (on ebay, brickbay, wherever) and you can get a 110-220
> step-up converter for use here in the US. These types of converters can be
> found at radio shack and other electronics stores. Just make sure you get
> the kind that steps-up to 220, for using European electronics here -- lots
> of stores sell the step-down variety (220 to 110) for using US electronics
> in Europe, but that's not the kind you need.
Radio Shack has a nice stepup transformer which is basically a wall
wart. The only unfortunate thing about it is that it only has one euro
plug, but I think it does have enough capacity to run two controllers.
It was a bit pricy ($32 or so). With some hunting, you could find one
cheaper I'm sure.
> > Is it possible to use the 9v controller but substitute a 12v transformer? Or
> > can I use a regular train transformer and forego the Lego controller? How do
> > I power the electric points?
I have made a converter wire to convert between 9v and 12v connectors.
The points seem to work fine when powered by 9v.
> Note that there is a special track section required that connects to the
> transformer. Some (all?) 12v sets came with these sections... but if you
> just get a large lot of track somewhere, you may not be able to hook it up
> to your transformer.
The newer 12v conducting rails all have pin holes so that all you need
to connect is a connecting wire which has separated plugs at one end.
> Also, the straights will fit into 9v track, but the curves will not. So you
> really have to go with the old 12v outside rails for your whole layout...
> Your best bet may be to hunt on Ebay for a while and buy a large lot from
> someone in Europe... there are people selling bulk lots of 12v track a
> couple times a month there, it seems.
If you make a little use of Babelfish or some other translator, and are
willing to mail cash, there is quite a bit of 12v items to be found on
German eBay.
> Part of the challenge on fun of 12v is finding what you need. You have to
> enjoy the hunt -- it's not as easy as calling shop at home and getting 9v
> items (although a couple of the Lego outlet stores -- in Georgia and
> Virginia -- have both turned up limited supplies of right-handed 12v points.
> not sure if they have any left, but I know there are some resellers of them
> on brickbay).
Remember the outlet stores will ship.
Also read the 12 volt train track: Blue versus Gray for more info on
12v.
--
Frank Filz
-----------------------------
Work: mailto:ffilz@us.ibm.com (business only please)
Home: mailto:ffilz@mindspring.com
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Message has 1 Reply:
 | | Re: 12v Trains
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| (...) Can I ask why you do this? If you have a 12v transformer working, I can't think of a reason why you'd want to run a 9v line to the points... what am I missing? -Greg (25 years ago, 31-Aug-01, to lugnet.trains)
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Message is in Reply To:
| | Re: 12v Trains
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| This is a topic near to my heart -- I too decided to run 12v on my layout at home. There are some challenges, but it is a lot of fun. On to your questions: (...) I've never seen a 110 transformer for 12v. But the 220 transformers can be found fairly (...) (25 years ago, 31-Aug-01, to lugnet.trains)
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