I note you are here in Hurricane Alley also…I’m in Kissimmee …So where you at…I belong to the FGRS, Central Division…E-mail me directly if you’d care to, at onelastandman@yahoo.com…
Maybe we could talk or even get together sometime to share ideas and help each other out, I was at the recent show there in Deltona, at the Fair Grounds back on Jan. 9th and 10th, did you by chance get by there at all?
If you were there, and came by our FGRS layout, I was running my BNSF Dash-9’s pulling the Cat tank car tain, and also the Northern Pacific Passenger train, following each other on the outer track.
I read all the replies. I have two MRC powerstation 8’s, however, didn’t get to use them much before I moved and they are packed up now. However, I ran a Dash-9 and an FA on the same booster no problem , but this was on a small indoor layout. Also, I have another smaller indoor layout here now with only a Bachmann 5 AMP booster and I’ve run a USA trains PA (big power hog!), Aristo Pacifc, and a smaller loco all at the same time with no problems. I started having prolbems with my Pacific, and the power was kicking out. It sure seemed like a load problem but it was the only loco on the track, plus I had a power hit earlier (lightning) so I thought maybe something was wrong with the decoder or booster. However, I then noticed it was mostly on straights that it would cut out. It was simply dirty track and wheels and this was indoors on a very small layout! My other engines were good though. 1. If it is on straights check dirty wheels, track. 2. Check current with a meter if you have one. Current is a bit trickier, you have to put the meter in line with one of you feeds, check web sites for measuring AC current (DCC uses AC). 3. Try more track feeders, this is a big problem with many outdoor layouts. 4. Make sure you are using large gauge wire, 12-16 awg at least. I use 18, but I have a smaller indoor layout and I can get away with it. I hope this helps. Regards, Ted
Thank you. I believe my problem is that the MRC power 8 is prone to overheating when used outdoors on a larger layout. I keep it in the shade but I live in Florida where it gets hot. The MRC does not have a cooling fan where their new model does as do some of the others. It has been cool here the past few weeks and I have been successfully running two trains. I am purchasaing a new power booster and supply. We’ll see what happens when it gets hot again. I would guess the MRC power 8 is fine for an indoor railroad.
Yes I too third that suggestion…As I have already burned half of the rectifier bridge in one of my TRD-25’s running that long GN lighted consist, and the installation of even an extra fan, has helped it to keep it’s cool…other fellow FGRS members have even installed cooling systems inside of their engines to help the receivers and other electronics to keep cool in this blistering heat here in Hurricane Alley in the summers…Fans DO HELP ALOT…