23 Collectable Model Trains: Transformers: Does it matter that I useonly Lionel transformers on Lionel trains?
Description
This article is from the Model Trains FAQ, by Christopher D Coleman with numerous contributions by others.
23 Collectable Model Trains: Transformers: Does it matter that I useonly Lionel transformers on Lionel trains?
Essentially all trains using universal motors will run on all
transformers. They will also run on DC, but the normalscurrent
draw is beyond what most DC transformers will produce. Trains
using DC can motors will run on ACsonly if they are equipped with
a rectifier to convert AC to DC. The newer offerings do but some
cheap Lionelsfrom the 1970's does not. Compatibility between
brands is not a problem.
What's the difference between WATTs and VAs?
VA is short for Volt-Amp, or the total power lost in a
circuit. In a nutshell, Watts (Volt-Amp Resistive) tellshow much
power is lost to heat (resistance) and VARs (Volt-Amp Reactive)
tell how much is lost to straysmagnetic and electric fields
(inductance and capacitance). VAs are defined as:
_______________
/ 2 2
(VA) =\/ (Watt) + (VAR)
or the RMS (root mean square) value of power. Thus, since VAs
express more forms of power consumptions(both thermal and
magnetic), the power value expressed in them is slightly
different than in WATTs, but is asbetter measure of power
consumed.
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