Hot accessories transformer

I'd say it is probably overloaded.  It may not be capable of actually pumping out anything like the nameplate rating.  Is this a switching power supply or an old fashioned iron core transformer?

You want tons of 12VDC that won't overheat?  Take an old PC P/S and use one of the breakout terminal strips.

I bought a pair of these for $10 on Amazon, they work fine.  I had several old ATX power supplies laying around that were too anemic for modern PC's, but 400 watts is plenty for what we do with model trains.

This is just one of tons of options.

@gunrunnerjohn it's a ubiquitous brick style switching power source

unfortunately any old PCs have hit the trash a long time ago, but that's a great solution

I have been using one for years. It powers over 25 buildings, crossing gates and signals, 3 smoke units, and under layout lighting. I use the 5 volt tap with a diode for 5 Miller signs. I use 2 feeds, each with a 3 amp breaker to protect small wires, and get to about 5 amps total with everything on. I use the same common as the AC transformers for the track.

An Amazon example:

There is a 600 watt for $10 more. They also have lightning fast circuit protection. I did mine before I found the adapters that @gunrunnerjohn mentioned, but put some together with  them and sold them here.

@ScottV posted:

@gunrunnerjohn it's a ubiquitous brick style switching power source

unfortunately any old PCs have hit the trash a long time ago, but that's a great solution

Many of those cheap Chinese switching bricks have very optimistic ratings, a rule of thumb is they're really good for no more than half the nameplate rating, if that.  If you have one rated at 5 amps, you'll do well to get more than 2 amps out of it.

I use this little switcher, the ad copy says 3 amp rating.  However, on the bench, by the time it gets to one amp, it's already getting close to 100C, three amps is a pipe dream!

For a power supply that will power everything you can imagine, here's one that has +5V@20A and +12V@45A for $34 shipped free from Amazon.  Mate it with the breakout board I mentioned earlier and you have a power source you're not likely to overload!

OK John

I took your advice and splurged on 2 MELIFE 2pcs 24 Pin ATX Power Supply on Amazon for $ 9.99

Looking at the Amazon, pictures, I can see how to get the DC power out.

As an electrical illiterate, I can not see where the AC goes in. Do I just whack it with 120 volts, and where do I attach the input wires.

Thanks

@hclark6345 posted:

... where do I attach the input wires.

Thanks

It just needs an ordinary IEC type power cord. The box has a receptacle/input waiting for it. You might have a spare in your house already (crossing my fingers)

Thank you. I should have the cord

Now I have to wait until  Amazon delivers the power supply  to see it in person.

If all else fails,  that's why God invented circuit breakers

Just wanted to drop a note and say thanks for everyone’s input.

@hclark6345 posted:

Now I have to wait until  Amazon delivers the power supply  to see it in person.

Do you have a breakout board for the Power Supply?

@ScottV posted:

Just wanted to drop a note and say thanks for everyone’s input.

How did you resolve your situation?

I found that I had a 10a brick, so I used that and it seems to be doing fine, keeping the above solution in mind should I need more power, or the brick goes out on me.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Do you have a breakout board for the Power Supply?

How did you resolve your situation?

Silly question perhaps, but do the other leads coming out of the power supply have a function in the model railroad environment.. If not, what do you do with extra leads, just tape them out of the way?? TIA

@Woodson posted:

Silly question perhaps, but do the other leads coming out of the power supply have a function in the model railroad environment.. If not, what do you do with extra leads, just tape them out of the way?? TIA

The 24 pin connector has all the useful voltages, however you could use the other leads with the same voltages if that works for you.  The other leads mostly have the 5VDC and 12VDC power on them.  Obviously, you'd want to provide circuit protection as the power supply is capable of delivering hundreds of watts to an individual lead.