You will need a DC supply or rectify the output of your AC transformer, which is quite easy to do. Go to Radio Shack and get a bridge rectifier of about 5-6 amps. Hook the two legs of the bridge with the sine wave symbols to the transformer variable output. Hook the DC output to the track. Now you have DC power but no directional control. For directional control hook the DC to the center terminals of a DPDT switch. Cross wire the two outside pairs of terminals (forms an x). Add a pair of wires from the outside terminals on one end of the switch to the track. Now your transformer is putting out variable DC with the ability to polarity reverse.
Speaking practically, if your DC engine only draws an amp or 2 (which means it has what we call a can motor) it probably draws 2 amps or less and it may be easier to just get a DC power supply. These are quite commonly sold used at some train stores. Just be sure you get one with a variable 12 volt output of 24VA or higher. If the DC motor draws more than a couple amps you're better off converting the transformer to DC output as described above because transformers of 50W (50VA in DC) are quite common. "mythunder2000 " wrote: > > Hi, > I apologize in advance for likely an "easy" question for you all. > But since I'm ignorant about these matters, better to ask that prove > yourself foolish! > > I am soon to receive as a gift a "DC" locomotive. Do I need a > special transformer (or other equipment) to run it with my standard > AF setup? > > Thanks for sharing your knowledge! > Cordially, > Glenn ��� > > S-Trains list sponsor: http://www.americanflyertrains.com > All the Flyer you desire...books and accessories too! > > To UNSUBSCRIBE from this list send a note to [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ -- Chuck Smith of the NASG, Rochester Area S Gaugers (RASG) and the S Gauge Chemung Valley Lines. http://home.eznet.net/~cesmith "It is often wiser to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak up and remove all doubt." Mark Twain S-Trains list sponsor: http://www.americanflyertrains.com All the Flyer you desire...books and accessories too! To UNSUBSCRIBE from this list send a note to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
