I would like to add a trolley to my n-scale layout. I contacted Miniatronics to make sure that their automatic reversing unit is compatibility with trolleys in n-scale. Their unit also includes a 12-volt transformer which I assume can run the trolley. The customer service rep from Miniatronics indicated “Yes, the unit will work with N, HO, and other trolleys and trains.”
I also contacted the customer service rep from Bachmann to get a second opinion before I ordered the auto reverse unit. This is the reply I received from Bachmann: “I checked with our Vice President of Product Development, Mr. H. Lee Riley. You cannot hook the Minatronics unit to our unit. All “HO” and “N” scale runs on 0-16 volts DC.”
I think Bachmann is confused and thinks you want to use the Miniatronics unit to control the output of the Bachmann power pack.
If the Miniatronics system is a complete, dedicated power pack it should be able to work with any brand because it will be providing the power to the track and not relying on the Bachmann.
I just checked the Miniatronics web site and their unit does seem to be totally self-contained, so as long as the trolley track is not connected to any other power source it should be okay. It’s still not clear to me how you control the speed, though, unless there’s an adjustment on the circuit board itself that is not evident.