[rwbrashear]

Hello EA-

If it isn't one particular car that is causing the problem, it could be the capacitors in the lighting circuit. When they charge, they are pulling more current for a short period of time. The Power Station 8 sees the capacitors as a short and trips the overload. I read the Power Station 8 manual and their does not appear to be a method of adjusting the overload time. If the trip time before an overload occurs could be relaxed, the system might work.

You can try adding a PowerShield from Tony's Train Exchange. It is designed for this type of problem.
http://www.dccspecialties.com/products/pdf/psx_hints.pdf

http://www.tonystrainexchange.com/index.html

Best regards,
Bob

 

[rwbrashear]

Hello EA-

Unless you have a scope, it's hard to determine whether the capacitors are actually the problem. (I am also assuming the Amtrak coaches have a lighting board similar to other LGB lighted passenger coaches.) Can you access the circuit board and determine the capacitor value?

This may not work, but you can try adding an #1156 automotive lightbulb in series with one of the track feeders. The bulb should limit track bus shorts to approximately 3A.

In H0 scale, boosters often have problems at start-up when there are multiple sound locos in the same power district. Since all of the capacitors are charging in tandem, the resulting current demand trips the booster's overload circuitry.

Video explanation:
http://mymemoirs.net/model-trains/images/previews/TSL3/shortMgmt1_bbhi.swf

Another explanation:
http://www.wiringfordcc.com/track.htm

Please use caution, as even though the bulb limits current during a track bus short, a real short left unattended can still cause damage to your locos, rolling stock, track, etc.

Also remember, the #1156 is a 12V bulb. It will work for the test.

Good luck.

Best regards,
Bob