Differences in wiring for Tech 4 260 and Tech 4 280 power pack on layout

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I am currently running one Tech 4 260 power pack with about 10 blocks on my layout. All trains go in the same direction as I have no reversing sections wired into the layout. I run two trains at once…one spaced behind the other so there is no crashes. How would the wiring comong off a Tech 4 280 with dual controls be different than the 260 and is there any advantage for me to switch to the 280…Any comments would be appreciated…Michael

2

The Tech 4 280 has two seperate throttles with 2 seperate hook-ups on the back of the unit - essentially one block per each throttle.

3

I’m currently using a Tech 4 280 and I love it. I use one throttle for running the main track and the other for the siding and spurs. It’s basiccally two packs in one case. You have two sets of DC terminals separated by one set of AC terminals. Do not connect the AC terminals to your track! You will regret it. I can use it two move two trains on the main line in oppisite directions, as long as thier not in the same block at the same time. I wired mine for dual cab control. I use center-off double pole, double throw swiches. You can get these at Radio Shack. There are six terminal on the DPDT switch. Two at the top, two in the middle and two at the bottom. Wires from the first throttle of my 280 go to the to terminals. The wire from the second throttle go to the bottom terminals. The wires from the center terminals of the switch got to the block. Make sure your polarity is correct.

4

Thanks Jeffrey for your insights. It is appreciated…Michael

5

How good can it handle grades? The add in MR said is could handle grades well.

6

[quoteHow good can it handle grades? The add in MR said is could handle grades well.
[/quote]

The 280 has PTC (proportional tracking control) that keeps the locomotives going the same speed. It works really well.

7

THE MRC 280 is 2 paks in one case. Idea is for running two trains with BLOCK CONTROL.

If it uses 2 separate transformers you can use COMMON RAIL wiring; but if it has a single transformer, you cannot (probable).

TWIN CABS use separate blocks and with SPDT block control, one control (A) goes to one side of the switch, Cab B to the other, which controls two trains and their speeds separately - depending on which way the block switch is thrown…

If you don’t use SPDT switches, you Dedicate a certain section of track to the (B) control, and control just the engine on that piece of track. Example: Yard and main line.

Regular wiring has 2 wires to each block, but only one side has needs the switch.