Jump to content

Power for size of lay out


Recommended Posts

Hi everyone just looking for some advice I have recently built a 00 gauge train set around the perimeter of my son’s room on a shelf around door height . I have a normal starter power set which will just about pull a small loco with 2 trucks around the room is there any advice on what’s best power / controller to use for bigger trains with cartridges etc ? It is only for one track the room is roughly 2 and half meters squared 

many thanks for any advice 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

F.A.O @power for size of lay out.

You might want to consider going into your 'Account' area and changing your 'user name' to something more simple and generic. From now on, every post or reply you make will show "Power for size of lay out" as your official 'user name' (forum nickname).

.

Do be aware however that you can only change your 'user name' once. Therefore the next 'user name' you choose will be the final one that you will not be able to edit yourself again.

.

If you do make a 'user name' change then the name displayed in the box on the left will automatically be updated by the forum system to show it in this thread.

.

If you are not sure 'How To', then see below. You need to navigate to the 'Nickname' box in 'Forum Account' under 'Community Activity'

.

/media/tinymce_upload/c1dfa3d7d91db6c39d4c066262b311c2.jpg

.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 The small starter set controllers which come with a plug in transformer are fairly basic and may struggle for the larger models under constant running conditions, and should you add older second-hand locomotives to your collection they may occaisionally trip out, and you will have to wait until the overload cut out resets. If you want to extend the layout to be able to run more than one train at one time then you will inevitably need a second controller, or one that has dual output.

You have a number of options.

(1) The way of the future of course is DCC. This will need you to put a chip inside the existing locomotive and buy locomotives already chipped. You will also need a new DCC controller, The advantage is that wiring the layout is much simpler (only two wires to connect) and that you get all the 'extras' such as controlled lights, smoke and sound if your locomotives are suitably equipped. DCC also allows you to control points and signals from your controller much more simply. It will be a bit more expensive initially.

 

(2) A new mains DC transformer controller. Hornby's own HM2000 is a good model, with two controlled outputs and extra outputs for accessories, points etc. If you only intend to run one train at a time the second output would be redundant. There are other makes, perhaps the best known are the Gaugemaster controllers. They make a wide range including those with single, dual, triple and quadriple outputs.

 

(3) A second hand traditional transformer controller, such as a Hamment and Morgan 'Clipper' or 'Duette'. These can be picked up from many sources such as model shops, auction sites or toy fairs at very reasonable prices BUT before you use it you must get it tested by an electrician, because the insulation needs to be proved as still safe.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
  • Create New...