Which power pack do you recommend. My 2 power packs just can’t produce the power that I need. Do you recommend any brands that would be good for a 48 by 54 layout? ( once again no pictures[#dots][banghead])
What scale and how many Locos??
What about other power requirements–Accessories, turnouts, etc.
Ho scale about 20 loco’s and 7 turnouts
Personally, I would recomend MRC. You can check themout on thier website at www.modelrectifier.com. Ken
Thanks Eriediamond. I’ll be sure to check out MRC
If you are going with DC, then MRC really is the only choice for quality after market controllers. Now if it is DCC you are thinking about?.. Lots of differing opnions will come then…
DC or Dcc, It dosn’t matter to me. Right now, I’m converting to DCC, but for the light rail and trolly portions of my layout ( or soon to be added portions of my layout) I think I’ll stick with DC.
Nascar is my hobby, But model railroading is my love[:D]
Three letters, M R C
THE WORD ‘POWER’ is non-definitive.
‘‘POWER’’ is sometimes used to define ‘WATTS’. - specifically VA (volt amperes)…
Fogetting technicalities, your VA consumption can be estimated my how many engines are you running @ SAME TIME, - or more accurately by a meter.
IF one puts HO engines @ averaging 6 VA each (newest Atlas, Stewart, & Kato run 3VA - oldest Athearn Blue box 12VA each) - you can guesstimate your needs.
Turnout’s with 'twin coil selenoids need about 3 amps (36VA) instantatneous peak, which is not a problem until you try to throw more than one at any one time.
YOU are planning a big layout. A 'buss ’ system with 'feeder’s will ensure your ‘power’ will get to where it’s wanted.
SUGGESTION: A power pak with the highest VA’s (look on the back} will power more engines, but I’d recommend one with meters - or install them with what i have.
An ABBA set of Athearn BB will pull 24 VA’s without. cars - double that if they’re old.
See what i mean?
what other power packs other than mrc
In addition to the other suggestions for DC, you should probably run the turnouts and other accessories off separate power packs. This is a good use for the cheaper low capacity packs we all seem to start with.
Enjoy
Paul
Most of my loco’s are old “Blue box” Athearn and they use a ton of VA’s when joined together. Like suggested, I run my turnouts on seprate powerpacks. This works very well.
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