I've been a user of MRC power supply (power packs) for as long as I've been in N scale. I've had the Tech II (2800) and Railpower 1300 and Tech IV (280) packs most recently. They work well and usually last several years before they eventually die. The Railpower 1300 is the "test track" low-tech pack I use most right now, but the Tech IV (280) which is a dual cab pack isn't a whole lot more powerful. If I were to build a layout with about 100' of track... I'm concerned that these packs won't have enough juice to run much equipment. I run only DC at the present time... but... am tempted with the prospect of DCC at some future date. What would be some good power supplies to consider buying? Maybe the MRC Tech III 9500? NOTE: The power supply doesn't have to be from Model Rectifier Corp (MRC), however, they seem to be the most widely accepted as the industry leader in power supplies. [ 04. January 2005, 15:16: Message edited by: Calzephyr ]
I've only used MRC power packs ("transformers" if you're over 40), and had no problems with powering my 4 x 8 layout. I'm using two separate MRC 220s now. The 280 has two units in one case (originally many had two controls with ONE unit, which really cut down on power). Now I do have some feeder wires, but that's not an unusual practice. I run multiple lashups with no power drop (except at one section, and that's in my track, not the power supply). I doubt you'd have a problem, really, with MRC power packs. I've cleaned up my control area since this photo was taken. But it does show my two power packs.
Thanks for the input Dave, The two 220's are more powerful than the 1300 and the 280 I have combined. I believe that the 280 pack is like two 1370's in one housing.
I think the MRCs would do fine on 100 feet of track. To properly answer the question, I think there is an issue of amps and not just voltage. At that point, I have to defer those more knowledgeable about electrons. More engines means more amps, but in N scale, three amps is a lot. Maybe someone else can add to this. BTW, I recommend having both ammeter and voltmeter to monitor your train operation.
I have two of the Megatech X6000 powerpacks with walkaround control. http://www.megatech.com/images_5.0/product_reviews/MegaX6000.pdf They are very similar to the MRC CM20 http://www.modelrectifier.com/products/trainSound/bigPower.asp I happened onto a deal and got both of mine new in the box for $70. They are normally $59.99. http://www.ahc1931.com/HORail.html I am very pleased with mine and have power to spare.
Aristo also makes an excellent system. With walk around throttles that make for easy operating. Walk arounds always seem to be lost when you need to hit the emergency stop. Of course the same happens with a control panel mounted supply. Nothing goes wrong till you are on the other side of the layout.
I have a walk-around throttle that has the option of external emergency OFF circuits. So I might install a number of red emergency buttons on my layout (some day, when the rest is done). Check http://www.heisswolf.net/ (in German) if you want to see my throttle. Works nice and has 256 programmable settings for engines. Cheers, Christoph
These are the throttles used on the HO layout of the Big Pine & Sawgrass club. The Aristo throttles were R/F (radio frequency) as opposed to the plug-in type. The HO layout that BP&S had several years ago had several hundred feet of track and had 4 Aristo R/F throttles. I don't think they had a "stock" Aristo power supply though. There was an electrical engineer member which I believe designed a special power supply for that layout. It was referred to as "Turkey Point"... the reference was to the huge nuclear reactor here in Miami.
Flash, You have an impressive and large layout from the pictures I seen here, the Atlas Forum and the model mags. If that is an adequate supply for your needs... thats probably as much as I'd ever need (unless I hit a lottery ). I have never heard of the MRC 9000, but I'm guessing that it is similar to the MRC Tech III 9500. Thanks for you input.
Thanks for the information and links Tad. I'll look into these too. I had never heard of MegaTech. May want some other testimonials from other long term users of MegaTech before I jump from the tried and true MRC though.
I have the MRC Control Master 20 with walk around control. I love it. I run 4-5 engine lashups with it and never have a voltage drop. It supplies all the power I need for my "growing" layout.
Thanks Christoph, "...mit dem größten Fahrvergnügen" (with the largest load of pleasure) I like loads of pleasure too. I think this is a German "pun" (play on words) having to do with the extra load capacity of the power supply. [ 04. January 2005, 19:40: Message edited by: Calzephyr ]
I use the MRC Power command 9500, you can't walk around but its big power with meters and I love it. Suits me fine there is no power problems on my expanding layout, with my typical lash ups of 2 to 3 locos, however I have run 7 in light power transfer moves with no problem or loss of volts. The Control Master 20 is top notch for a mobile system. Its a excellent system For DC I love MRC, mine seem to last forever. I just got rid of a old throttle pack with pulse that was still working fine. I still use a Control Master II from the early 80's for my yard.
Before I went to DCC, I used two MRC Tech 4 250s, with tethered walkarounds, with 850 feet of track and at least two ABBA consists running all the time. Absolutely no load problems. I also had a Tech 3, with volt and ampmeters--never came close to a problem. I tore apart the smaller powerpacks such as the 1300s (about $20?) to use the guts in walkarounds. Never any problem running ABBA consists. Never killed one in 10 years of running.
I use a pair of the MRC Tech III 9500's. I like the built in meters and the fact that they stay nice and cool. Prior to buying those, I used a pair of MRC Tech II 2500's. Those tended to get a bit warm (i.e. hot) with extended usage with three or four diesels pulling a long train.
