Current consumption re Annies?

[trammayo]

I wonder if anyone can tell me the current consumption of the Bachmann Annies and also the Big Haulers?

I run two or three at a time (more or less continuously) over a six or seven hour period at shows.

The Lead Acid Gel batteries 12v 20ah are dropping off after five hours or so. Battery voltage is dropping to around 11v (from 13.8) with a track voltage of less than 9v after feeding through controller. I have taken 60ah battery off my Reliant commercial for this weekends use and was given four 12v 7ah gels last night (which I'll group as one).

 

[spoz]

Mick,

I was wondering the same thing when I did a battery conversion of an Annie some time ago, so I spent a while with an ammeter. I didn't do a full analysis of the power demands, that wasn't really why I was doing it; was more about sizing batteries and fuses, so whether the outcome is any use you will have to judge. Starting current was around 0.85A, stall current about 3.1A. I only got one reading of the stall as it's not something I particularly like doing, so I wouldn't rely on it too much. I did the same with an Indy 2-6-0; starting current 0.4A stall 2.2 (about). The Annie was fairly new at the time, while the Indy would best be described as "well used" although mechanically it was in good shape.

Starting current was light engine on the level. One of the things I wondered in passing at the time (hopes that I could convince the family that Granddad needed another engine for the grandsons) but was unable to check having only one of each engine was whether there is variance between samples. I know there shouldn't be; but fidelity of fit and assemby and degree to which the engine is "run in" might well make a difference.

Oh, one other caveat. I haven't had my ammeter calibrated for some years; comparison at lower current (mA range) with a recently calibrated multi meter suggests its OK but there's no guarantee!

Steve

 

[trammayo]

Thanks Steve. You have confirmed what I suspected - that normal consumption was 1amp or less. At least I can allow for that when purchasing a new battery. The layout is protected at 3amp and I have managed to run four locos without the fuse blowing.

My normal consists are two to three JS coaches or three boxcars and a caboose. I can run longer trains on the outer loop but the middle portion has reverse curves and numerous R1 points - causing increased loads.