So, our MRC Throttlepack AC bit the dust. Probably the voltage regulator. As soon as we turned it on, it gave 24V to our little Lionel Dockside switcher, blowing the thing off the O-27 oval and two feet down to the concrete. Fixed the broken pilot with JB Weld.
While we are waiting for the kind folks at MRC to repair the transformer, we are using our old Life-like HO Power pack. Yeah, that's DC, but it works fine, and even runs the smoker. And doesn't worry the 4-year-old, as it lacks the power to take the switcher airborne.
However, whenever there is a short caused by a derailment, the power pack overheats, and we have to wait several minutes before we can use it again. The power pack is rated 7 VA output. Am I assuming correctly that there is some kind of heat-activated circuit breaker at work?
Am I thinking right that if we put a circuit breaker between the power pack and the track, that we could "intercept" any overloads before they overheat the transformer, allowing us to reset and keep playing more quickly?
Finally, the main question: if all the above is true, what amp rating of circuit breaker do I need? 7 VA is .5 amps at 14 volts. So do I need something low, like a 1 amp breaker? If they make such things.
I understand that usually with O gauge, a 10 or 15 amp breaker would do the trick, but I am questioning that for this little hobby pack.
Regards,
Jonathan
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