Where can I get a good, inexpensive power pack? Also anyone know some good wiring or layout sites?[:)]
Look out for a newer model MRC Tech 2 powerpack on e-bay. There are a lot of them for sale 2nd hand as folks move on to DCC.
Thanks! By the way what kind of track do you recomend? I just started right now I use Bachmann EZ Track.
It depends on what you are wanting to do. I started with Atlas Trutrack, which is a bit like the Bachmann EZ track, in that it is a sectional track with an attached roadbed. This worked for me to start with as I was planning and designing the main layout, and the sectional track allowed me to quickly build temporary layouts to run trains to keep me and the kids motivated. Now I am well into the construction of the main layout, I use Atlas Flextrack and Peco turnouts in HO, Code 100. But I had a specific need to run some old British Loco’s that have deep flanges. If it were not for this need, I would use Code 83. Having said that the Atlas and Peco products in 100 have been great quality and easy to use.
I just want to build and add a little scenary.
If you’re not going to run a lot of locomotives at once or have a huge layout, the MRC Railpower 1300 is a very nice, affordable unit.
EZ Track and similar products are good for temporary layouts where you might be picking up and rearranging the track over and over again. It largly eliminates the problem of the track coming apart while you’re running.
It costs quite a bit more than regular sectional track so if you are going to build something that will have some degree of permanence and where you plan to fasten the track to a layout board you might as well as just go with regular sectional track. It is just as easy to work with as EZ Track and you wouldn’t even have to go to the trouble of ballasting if you didn’t want to. But if you are attached to the ballasted roadbed look and have an aversion to doing it then I guess EZ track is a fine choice.
You want to get a inexpensive power pack? You are crazy! Get a good one, high middle of the line. I am running 5-unit Kato consists with 40 car trains on ones from the sixties! That is because I am running high-quality power packs
Trainboy
P.S. Does anyone know where that burning smell is coming from?