I have a 4x8 ho scale dual cab DC layout running two mainlines and a couple of industry sidings (that yet to be laid out). I’m using a couple of old Tyco power packs (Gasssp! Oh the Humanity LOL). The trouble is I don’t seem to be able to get the trains to run at a “crawl” speed. It seems I have to move the throtle about a 1/4 inch before the trains start moving, and then they run at what I would guess to be about 35-40 scale MPH (17 second lap times around the outer oval near the edge of the 4x8, hopefully gives a better idea of the speed). I probably should mention I have a Specturm FM16-44 and a Spectrum 2-10-2 both brand new. Will a new power pack give me better low speed performance or do I need to go DCC? (which is a tentitive plan down the road).
Any of today’s current-technology throttles will make a big difference. They are inexpensive enough that, if I were doing it, I’d buy one now even though I was planning a different control system, i.e., DCC, down the road.
I’d suggest getting a new power pack. MRC Tech 4’s are great for running loco’s at very slow speeds. Some loco’s I find though just will not crawl no matter. Do you have access to another layout and power pack? If so try running on theirs and see if there is a difference in performance.
Keep your old power packs as a power source for your switches or structural lights. The old power packs had a series-wound reostat that was adequate for controlling the speed of the open frame motors of that day. Today’s can motors use far less amperage tdid and will start to turn at a much lower voltage. However, the old reostats do not introduce enough resistance into the circuit to drop the voltage down to the starting voltage of today’s can motors. Consequently, you cannot get your engines to creep along like they would if you used a transistorized (modern) power supply.
Thankss guys great info. TA, I don’t have access to another DC layout but, now that you mention it my LHS has a test track that I could probably use as a test bed. I’ll have to ask. Thanks again.
On E-Bay you can get low end DCC units like Bachmann For not to much money. The money you spend on a DC power pack will cover most of the cost. They are not the top of the line but will give you an operating thrill you will never get with DC no matter how good the power pack is. Once you get your hands on DCC you will ever turn back!
The MRC PE is good but the Digitrax Zephyr is better. Having a small layout myself (8 x 10.3 feet) I went to DCC. Since I don’t have much money (My entire monthly income is $627) I went with the Bachmann EZ Command system. It can only run three to four trains at once and is very limited in what it can do, but it does everything I need it to do.
As long as the Prodigy Exp is not over $229. That’s the price at Walthers, or probably your LHS. PE will not run non-DCC decoder equipped locos. I have PE & love it, but I’ve got about 100 older locos to add DCC to - or just display them. I have a MRC TechII and use a DPDT switch to run my old locos on DC - but once you use DCC - especially with sound - you’ll never want to go back to quiet DC!![8D]
Thanks Ivenhen, one other thing, will the MRC PE run two trains out of the box with no additional addon? Based on what I read (actually didn’t read) on their site, it only runs one train. Their “Advance” system lists multiple train controll in the features list but the PE didn’t. This is a major deciding factor for me.
DC will control 2 trains using 'Blocks - with 2 power paks - CAB A and CAB B.
DCC will control 2 (or more) trains using decoder modules, and two (or more) Cab ‘control units’ on the same block. In short, Cabs A B and C - @ additional cost - of course.
I have DC Cab control, CABs A & B - which allows me 1 guest. I can switch over to DCC any time by adding DCC and throwing all block toggles all to Cab ‘A’.
Switches (turnouts), lights, and/or signals will need separate power and actuation controls. - regardless of DCC or DC.
I guess the REAL coin flip is HOW MANY people you want to be able to run trains at the same time. More than two? - and the added expense and features of DCC control.
REGARDING your Tyco power paks - they’re archaic toys. What Leon Silverman said is right on.
DCC isn’t overkill for a small layout. In fact, I postulate DCC makes MORE sense on a small layout. Simply because it allows you to get more operation out of the small layout, because with DCC you can run multiple trains ANYWHERE at the same time - to the point of having Gomez Addams-like crashes. So you have to watch out where you’re going.
The problem with your old Tyco power packs is that the probably are of the rheostat type. Modern models have much more efficient, lower current motors than older ones, and as a result do not work well with rheostats designed for more pwoer hungery models. There is so little current draw hat not much voltage is dropped across the rheostat, resulting in trains runnign nar full speed at the slightest crack of the throttle. The recommendations for various MRC units are sound - these are transistorized power packs and work equally well with locos of all eras. You’ll get very smooth operation with these if you aren’t ready to convert to DCC just yet.
LOL “Gomez Adams type crashes, that’s a good one”. I won’t be doing that though.
Ok, so I bit the bullet and went for the MRC PE on eBay. $123 including shipping seemed like a good deal so I did it. I’ll only be able to run my two newest locos on my layout but my old engines run like kah kah anyway…we’re talking almost 30 year old locos.