I recently took current readings for all of my N scale locomotives, and was getting approx 0.15-0.2 Amps for each loco. Except for the Life-Like proto-N SW8, which drew 0.85A. Is this normal for this particular model, and is there a way to reduce the current draw?
Excessive current draw on N scale loco
Apr 05, 2006
1 Replies
Hmm... I haven't taken current readings on my LL SW8 but that does seem a bit excessive for a fairly new N scale loco.
Does it appear to be binding? It has a low-friction mechanism, so it shoudl't draw too much current. Does the mechanism appear to be binding?
You could take it apart and take the motor out and test it without a load on it. It should then draw a very little current.. Also check the headlight circuit boards. Those should only draw several mA each.
It sounds like the mechanism is either binding or you have defective motor.
Peteski
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