Passive electrical Components

An Explanation of the Functioning of a Model Train Transformer

The model train transformer that provides power to your model railway trains in an extremely important part of your set up. If this goes wrong, not only could it damage you model trains, but it could also create a massive safety risk, so it’s important that you do your research first before making any decisions regarding this aspect of you model train control set up. This article is designed to give you the most important factors to consider with regard to all aspects concerning your model train transformer.

 

First of all, you need an explanation of what a transformer actually does. The electricity that comes from your plug sockets is anywhere between 110 and 230 volts, depending on where in the world you live. At this voltage, it would be incredibly dangerous to use on you model railway track and would cause a nasty shock, maybe even death in some cases if you touched it. Therefore, a transformer steps down this voltage to one that is safe to use, which is normally between 9-20 volts for a model railway.

 

With this in mind, it is important to inspect your model train transformer regularly and if there are any signs of damage, it should be taken out of action and either repaired, or replaced. Signs you should be looking for are any evidence of rust, corrosion, cracks in the casing or damage or fraying to the wires, particularly on the supply side as this is where the voltage is still at the maximum level.

 

As with anything electrical, for it to work, the electricity must have a full circuit to travel around. Within a model railway layout, the model train transformer works by sending out power along a wire, which is connected to one side of the track and then back along another wire, attached to the other track.

 

The model train is the missing linking in the circuit. When the train is placed on the track, this completes the path for the electricity to travel through and makes the circuit complete. As the electricity passes through the train, this charges the motor, causing the pistons to move and the train wheels to move around. In turn, this then causes the train to move. The polarity of the electricity that is passed from the model train transformer is what will decide the direction that the train travels in.

 

If you are using DCC to control your model railway trains, much of the use of transformers has now been simplified and you don’t need to pay such attention to them within your model train layout plans. However, if you are using a traditional DC set up, then you will want to look further into the exact uses of transformers as you will need to use multiple transformers to control different parts of the tracks at different times.

 

Hopefully this article will have given you a better understanding of the function of a model train transformer and it’s role within your model railroad layout. For more information on other areas of model train power supply and control, visit my website using the links below.

About the Author

Tim McCarthy is a model railway enthusiast with many years experience in the field of model trains. For further information on model railroads, including more on model train power, please feel free to head over to http://www.modelrailwaytrainstips.com/model-train-control.