Burnout risks on certain accessories?

At a given voltage, current flow is determined by the Load (resistance). Using the oil pump as an example, it might only draw (don't know exactly but lets say its probably less than 1Amp).  Even though your transformer has the capablity of delivering 100 Watts, it doesn't push current or that much wattage into everything connected to it.  The amount of current that flows in a circuit is what is drawn (pulled) by the load.  This is Ohm's Law: V= I x R, where V = Voltage; I = Current flow; and R = the load resistance.

These accessories and their stock wires should be designed to run just fine (following the instructions in the Owner's Manuals) under the typical operating conditions you've described without overheating.

Mannyrock,

To make it simple so you're not having to learn Ohm's Law , you'll be fine. Have used both accessories for years and years and no melted wires.

Gee John, are you saying that multiplication and division is difficult?

Learning this basic electrical principle would allow one to understand many basic electrical questions that might arise.

No, I'm saying based on user experience, he should be fine.

Relax, Professor.

Thanks very much for these posts guys.

Mannyrock

Er., , , follow-up.

What about highly repetitive solenoid use on the Gateman?  Won't it overheat and melt if that train passes by every 20 seconds, 30 times in a row?

Thanks,

Mannyrock

Solenoid operated accessories should not be commanded ON for long periods of time and you should use the lowest voltage that will successfully operate it.  The newer accessories have plastic cores in the solenoids that will melt and stick the plunger.  Replaced quite a few at MTH (Lionel's aremthe same).

@Mannyrock posted:

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What about highly repetitive solenoid use on the Gateman?  Won't it overheat and melt if that train passes by every 20 seconds, 30 times in a row?.

Or what about a train that, for whatever reason, comes to a stop on the "trigger" device.

In the big scheme of things, solenoids are rated for either "continuous duty" or "intermittent duty" meaning exactly what the terms suggest.  I would be astonished if there is even a published datasheet specifying the operating characteristics of Gateman solenoid...but I'm fairly confident it would be classified as intermittent-duty.

Not quite apples-apples, but my paper shredder has an intermittent-duty motor.  It's not meant to be shredding paper 24/7.  If I run it too often for too long, it eventually overheats and stops.  But it is self-resetting so wait a few minutes and it starts shredding again.  Attached to the motor is a thermal cutoff switch.

So, for example, one could fasten such a switch to the Gateman solenoid mechanism and splice the 2-wires into the solenoid wiring as you would an on-off switch. You can get one for maybe $1 each in small quantity in your choice of cutoff temperature.  Coming up with a suitable cutoff temperature is another matter.

There are other components and methods to regulate or limit how frequently or for how long a mechanism operates.

There are similar accessory scenarios such as the uncoupling electromagnet in operating track sections with a jammed activate button or smoke units in rolling stock that melt the plastic shell if run too long.  I'd say that after reading many OGR threads, it seems the vast majority do not modify the mechanisms but become more mindful of over-using the accessory.