Electrical Specifications

Motor Current Usage

How much current do the train motors use? This table shows the values I measured. The power was provided by a train controller which maintains 9V whatever the load is. If powered by batteries, these values might be lower because the internal resistance of the batteries will cause the voltage to drop.

DeviceMinimumTypicalMaximum
Train Motor70mA250mA1700mA
Technic Motor60mA600mA2
Headlight40mA40mA40mA

1This value was measured pulling a typical train at full speed.
2According to Will Chapman the Technic and Train motors use the same part internally so the numbers should match, I guess there is some variation from part to part.

Train Controller Specification

The LEGOŽ Train Controller is a simple variable DC voltage controller. This is what I got when I stuck a voltmeter on it.
PositionVoltage (no load)
-6Full Reverse-9.1V
-5-7.9V
-4-6.7V
-3-5.4V
-2-4.2V
-1-3.0V
0Off0.0V
13.0V
24.2V
35.4V
46.7V
57.9V
6Full Forwards9.1V