Hi everybody, I'm fairly new to N and have previously modelled HO. I live in England and use Gaugemaster controllers, specifically the hand held variety. I've used them successfully with HO but for N the range of speeds is too great. Does anybody have a simple way of reducing the output voltage without losing the power to still run 3 engine consists? BTW they are 16v AC input, and 0-12v DC output. Any help would be gratefully appreciated.
Another Brit Hello Robin, welcome to TrainBoard I use Gaugemaster controllers, but have the panel mounted ones. For my main lines, I use the simulator one, which is a great way to drive trains! What kind of hand-held one do you have? I used to use the 'HH' one, which is a feed-back type, but found that not too good with N scale. There is a non-feedback handheld, called 'Walkabout' I think. This is also available as a simulator as well. I find these controllers work very well with N scale. Hope the above helps. ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.ac-models.com Andersley Western Railroad Alan's American Gallery
Thanks for that info Alan. My Gaugemaster is the feedback type, perhaps this is the problem I'm having? Are N gauge motors different to HO in how they react then..? All I want to be able to do is use the full range of the controller, but cut down the maximum speed. Any suggestions.??
Robin, Welcome to the Boards! One thing though, PLEASE STOP CALLING IT N-GAUGE! We are now known as N-SCALE... ...so I get a little grumpy at 5:00 AM. I'm on my way to the GREAT AMERICAN TRAIN SHOW in Springfield, IL. I'll give everybody the low-down Sunday Night! ------------------ BNSF RAILFAN-TO-THE-MAX! Brent Tidaback, Member #234 and a N-Scaler to boot!
Welcome Robin. Never mind Brent, he doesn't get out that much. Call it N Gauge, since that is what it is. Wasn't it developed in Europe afterall? On a serious note, from what I gather from yours and Alan's posts regarding the controllers, it sounds like it is a back EMF controller. This uses the induced AC voltage from the armature passing the magnets to control the voltage output of the controller to maintain the motor running at a stable speed, whether up hill or down dale. N Scale (Gauge) locomotives use motors that have small armatures and magnets, so the induced EMF will not be as strong as with larger scales (with larger motors). The design of the controller may not allow for such a low input so it may be over-compensating by upping the DC voltage output to match the speed setting. My take on the situation. Gary. ------------------ Gary A. Rose The Unofficial TC&W page TrainBoard Moderator and Member No.377 N to the Nth degree!
Hi Robin, Welcome to the "net". I have tried various controllors on my 'N' Gauge layout. As Alan says, feedback controllers do not work well, so I have gone back to Gaugemasters ordinary hand held controllers. One thing that could cause a problem is the number of locomotives that you run in a 'lash-up'. I model the Joint Line in Colorado, which involves heavy coal trains with between 4 and 8 locomotives operating a train. Ordinary controllers tend to overheat with this kind of loading, a problem that I mentioned to one of the Gaugemaster people (The factory is only just down the road from where I live) and he suggested using a controller designed for use by O gauge [7mm/1foot O scale for you Maxwell) This can cope with the power requirements without the overheating problem. Ron C. Rio Grande Main line thru the Rockies.
Feedback controllers do not work well with N scale, but with the high quality of modern locomotives from Kato, Atlas and the like, they are not needed, either Ron, I hear what you say, but I run multiple locomotives on trains, and do not have problems with overheating. But then I do not run each train for long periods, although I do have 3% grades! I did consider the O gauge Gaugemaster controllers, but thought I would try the usual ones first, and am delighted with the simulator one (model U). Mine are panel mounted, but they are also made as walkabout (model W), and Walkabout with simulator (model WS). I usually set the speed to the maximum I want the train to travel, then drive using just the brakes! Great fun Robin, I hope this helps you decide ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.ac-models.com Andersley Western Railroad Alan's American Gallery [This message has been edited by Alan (edited 09 September 2000).]
Hi Guys...Thanks for all the advice. I think I'll leave my feedback controller for HO and take Alans advice and invest in a new handheld unit. ...sorry for the late vote of thanks to you all..been on holiday for last two weeks..!
