need help how do you tell if a rc transformer is compatile with your train

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

i have a train that had a transformer in the box in anoter box theres a mrctransformer how would i know if its ok to use with my ho scale train

2

The MRC should be fine. They make good quality transformers too. I dont belive they make anything not compatible with HO but post whatever it says on the transformer and one of the electronics experts can give you a certain answer. By the way, [#welcome]

3

thanks alot joe i’m kinda new at this and i don’t know anbody who’s into trains

4

Well then you have come to the right place. Lots of good info on these forums.

5

the transformer has mrc transformer rb-465 thats all it has

6

i’ve never used a forum b4 either

7

excellent job weathering the boxcar jpm335 just checked it out

8

[#welcome] to the forum!

You can try looking at the MRC website at www.modelrectifier.com for info on your transformer. Unfortunately, I just did a brief search of their website and couldn’t find anything with that model number. You should be able to contact their customer service through the website, though. If you have a digital camera, maybe you could send them a picture of it in an e-mail?

Good luck!

(P.S. - I just posted this message and noticed that I inherited my first star! Truly a cherished milestone in my brief MR career! [:)])

9

I don’t think RB-465 is a Model Rectifier product. A Google search under the phrase RB-465 turns up sites in Russia, China, and other foreign countries, but nothing for MRC. Unless this transformer is 20 or 30 years old, it’s not an MRC because they don’t use numbers of that type on their products.

It may have been made by MRC under contract to someone such as Sears or Montgomery-Ward for inclusion in a Christmas train set. If so, it’s probably not a good choice to use with today’s train products. It may have been intended for a train that ran on AC voltage instead of DC.

Personally, I wouldn’t risk trying to use something as old as this one might be because it could be a fire hazard. For personal safety, invest in a new, reliable power pack.

10

[#welcome]If I were you, I’d buy a new Model Rectifier Corp controller, a Tech 4. I’ve got one of these, and they are fantastic![8D] It’s a great hobby, prepare to be addicted!

11

MRC has offered several power packs that are NOT compatible with HO trains.

12

mijo236

‘Transformer’s’ are for AC only.
‘Power Pack’s’ are DC only.

They are NOT compatible.

Rather than burn out a piece of equipment, a phone call to MRC might be in order, so as not to get off on the wrong foot.

13

HO trains (except for Marklin) are made to run on DC current, 12 volts. If you have Marklin HO trains you need an AC power pack. The power pack should have a rating between 12 and 16 volts. If the pack is not marked, I would test it first. Some packs have two set of terminals, one set for DC controlled by the throttle, the other for fixed AC - usually 12-16 volts. in addition to DC packs, MRC also makes packs for trains that run on AC current instead of DC - Marklin is the only HO AC train that I know of, but there is also Lionel in O gauge and American Flyer in S gauge, as well as others in those two gauges/scales

Enjoy
Paul.

14

See, I told you not to trust me on that[xx(]. Anyway, buy a recent MRC power pack, They’re great, the best control I used before I went DCC.

Good luck[:)]