Hi I'm new to g gauge but hooked. I have 2 lgb trains and 1 little transformer that will only run 1 of the trains so I'm looking for a new transformer to run more then 1 train and on my layout when spring comes. I have about 60' of track right now but will be expanding some.My question is does anyone know if this transformer will do the job for me without braking the bank. Thanks Ken MRC Control Master 20 Model Train Power Supply / Transformer AA444
Welcome to trainboard! Good to have a new users here. I'm sorry I will not be much help, as i run DCC . I have an 8 amp buster on my DCC system, so somthing in the 4 to 8 amps will run 2 to 4 trains.
Track Power CNW man, Welcome to the Trainboard!!! This is not an endorsement.......just what I use on my layout. http://www.modelrec.com/search/product-view.asp?ID=1266 I have run 3 trains on my outdoor track..(app. 175 feet) with no problems. Doesnt even get warm on the hottest of days. The Bridgewerks line of transformers is another, top of the line, way to go. Good luck, and keep us informed. Darryl
Welcome aboard new member, I'm the G scale moderator and there is a bunch of great people on the board that can help. When one person don't know the answer, someone else can anser the question for you. The MRC should be plenty of enough power to run 2 LGB sets. I started out with a MRC back in 2000, but it couldn't hold up to the USA Trains power hogs, it burned out within 4 months. MRC also just started making transformers that put out filtered DC power just like Bridgewerks. I'm definately a Brigewerks transformer guy and have been since 2000, they really took car of me and the owner Dave is a great guy and he spent time talking to me in person at a train show. The main reason why I like Bridgewerks transformers is the fact they have a patented filtering system which filters DC power to your train. Not too many people know there is Normal spikes in AC power, but when transformers convert from AC to DC power the spikes go with it and depending on how your electric company is, these could be big enough to destroy motors. Bridgewerks has a wide variety of different size transofrmers, but they are not as cheap as MRC in price. You get what you pay for basiclly. Here is the web site link to view the products and to see the AC to DC spike test I talked about here >>>> www.bridgewerks.com
Also welcome to Trainboard. I'm also new to this board and to G scale, and like CNW man have transformer questions. I have a MRC Power G and some track (as recommended by local hobby shop) but not sure if it does have a voltage filter. I also have several locos (non DCC) but can only run one at a time. Am I missing something here? Can you run more than one loco at a time with one transformer? (told you I was new at this.) Or, do I have to go to DCC? And while we're at it, I've been told to stay away from transformers with pulse power. What is pulse power and why/how will it damage my engines? Thanks GovB (stumbling in the dark)??
Ahh, yes that is a great question. Aristocraft is the only one who makes a pulse width transformer that I know of and is a strange animal because some DCC systems other than Aristocrafts will not work with a pulse width transformer. A pulse width transformer is just that, when it changes volatage from AC to DC for your trains, it puts into a pulse width, when viewed on a occiliscope, the pulses of electricity sent to your locomotive are all the same suppoesly in theory. Bridgewerks on the other doesn't use a pulse width, instead they use a steady flat line type of DC power instead of a pulsing DC power, but however they also use a patented DC filter which eliminates AC spikes. AC spikes is a Natural occurance and depending on how your electric company makes electricity depends on how big those spikes are. When Bridgewerks converts from AC to DC power it eleimates any spikes. A spike is way different than a pulse. A spike is a uncontrolled high jolt of electricity, BAD. A pulse is a controlled pitch of electricity. Most G scale products are set up for a flat line of DC power therefore thats why pulse width transformers never took off. When a transformer without this filter converts from AC to DC it doesn't eleminate the spike when transforming it to DC power and now you have DC voltage with a spike in it. Why is this bad?????? Look up and see how a welder works. Any transformer 10 amps or more without this filter can actually be called a welder and thats exactly what happens to the armature inside of your motor. It creates a lightning storm of small electrical arcs betweent to armature and the stator, eventually causing either to fail because it actually will short out the windings or copper wiring inside. A welder also converts from AC to DC power and uses those spikes to help oout the welding process. You can visit Bridgewerks for more info here > www.bridgewerks.com
