To power and control the engine…what works best?
Electricity…
Seriously, what works best is a matter of personal preference. A G-scale train can be operated from batteries or a plug-in transformer and controller. Depending on your locomotive, even a Model Rectifier power pack designed for an indoor HO or N-scale layout can be used, although a power pack made specifically for G-scale would be a better choice. Don’t try to use a transformer that came with a cheap Christmas train set because it will be overloaded and could catch fire. If you use a power pack, keeping your track clean will probably turn out to be your biggest concern. I use battery power, so dirty track is never a problem.
Browse through the “Battery Power / Radio Control” forum to get some good ideas.
Yes mate this is a big subject and I am tired of going over it all; try to find some of the things that have been said in the past about this subject in the archives.
Basically you need to know a number of things
A) Do you need a transformer only, AC output.
B) A DC power supply, with just a DC output.
C) A variable DC power supply with an output which has from zero to about 20 Volts DC available; and as well the ability to reverse the polarity; so you can vary the speed and direction of your loco’s.
D) Size is important, so find out or decide how many and how much power will be drawn from your various loads, ie locos lights signals etc and this wil determine its size, expressed in watts, VA or even amps.
Rgs
ian
Hi Eagle and [#welcome]
I think the majority of us start with a transformer for track power - and a lot of us stay with it. You will make your own way but if you decide to go with track power check out the Aristo ‘Train Engineer’, what a super bit of kit and it’s reasonable to buy. I use a 5amp transformer but I suspect I’ll replace it with a 10amp at some stage. Track cleaning? it’s one of those jobs that I list with grass cutting, weeding, painting etc etc…it has to be done.
Good luck.
Cheers,
Kim
[tup]
EAGLE1197
I HAVE A ARISTO CRAFT TRAIN ENGINEER AND A 10 AMP. POWER SUPPLY ,FOR MY GRR, IT WORKS OUT WELL WITH WHAT I HAVE, BECAUSE YOU NEVER STOP ADDING TO THE RAIL ROAD, YOU ADD TRACK AND MORE TRACK . BEN -OF -PENNA. [#welcome] TO THE FORUM
Kim
Why did you bring up track cleaning and all those other nasty chores?
Ian
Hi Ian,
It’s ok for you mate, you’ve got one of those LGB thingy’s that does it for you!
What’s the Aristo track cleaning car like? - Anybody got one?
Cheers,
Kim
[tup]