Reply to "Atlas O Scale Operating Oil Pump: To me, a disappointment."

@Mannyrock posted:

Thanks guys for all of this great information, especially on the electrical side.

I have a follow up question:  If electrical devices only draw what they need, then why are we putting 3 amp fuses in our electric line, between the transformer and train accessories?    And, why aren't we connecting our train accessories directly to our constant output post with 18 volts AC?   

Just trying to learn more.

Thanks,

Mannyrock

Hey Mannyrock,

If your accessory is rated to handle it, yes, you could hook it directly.   However, in practice I never run any of mine at the maximum rated voltage.   Even my Fasttrack switches are powered thru Aux Power at about 14V. I find my constant moving things like the above mentioned Radar, Beacon, Control tower, etc.. operate nicely at 12 V.

Although it is fun to run a classic Lionel Operating Milk car at 18V and see how far you can launch the Milk Cans