if an engine by itself pulls 2 amps and then you add passenger cars that bring the total amperage to 6 amps is the engine now seeing the 6 amps go through it's electronics?
Rod Miller
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No. The engine will draw as much amperage as needed to do its job. Only the transformer will see the total amperage draw of the entire train plus any accessories.
Larry
No. Each engine and each car makes contact with the supply voltage (middle rail) and ground (outside rail). The current flowing through each unit depends on the electrical resistance of only that unit. The circuit loads are in parallel so they each draw only a part of the total current - which is transmitted only through the track.
MELGAR
Rod;
I'd be interested in hearing what you actually did to determine you had a increase of 4 amps in current draw by only adding some passenger cars!
Ray
You have to subtract the passenger cars lighting, etc., amps from the total, then the remainder goes through the engine. The engine will have a somewhat higher amperage draw due to its increased load of pulling the passenger cars.
Ray, I was just using that as an example. I have some can motored locos that draw very little amperage by themselves. Add 5 or 6 old style (non led) lighted passenger cars and the total amperage goes up considerably. You guys answered my question. Thanks
Rod Miller
OK, Rod.
The best answer to your question was given by MELGAR.
Ray
Should I put a plug in for LED lighting here to lower Rod's high current draw for the passenger cars? 
led upgrade for passenger cars. Still waitin on that autograph...
