MRC 270 transformer

[truckertrainman]

I just picked up an MRC 270  with 2 15 ft. handhelds nib for 90.00, It seems like it willbe something I can work with, But I don't know . Does anyone know anything about them? thanx in advance,Ron

[otftch]

If it is a dual power 027 , I had problems with mine.While running one track the other would suddenly go to full speed.I broke two locomotives from crashing onto the floor.I sent it back twice and it was repaired but still did the same thing .It did not do it all the time.The problem was you never knew when it would.It makes a great accessory transformer now.I have talked to other people who had the same problems with thiers.

                               Ed

[KeithL]

Ron,

I have a Dual Power O-27 that I bought this year to power the lights and accessories on my layout.  The post-war transformer that I had been using for this purpose needed to be replaced, and I thought that the Dual Power offered all the power I would ever need and more reliability at a reasonable cost than picking up another postwar transformer.  I paid $150 for mine (NIB).  When this transformer came out in 1997, it retailed for $300.

Before hooking the transformer up to my lights and accessories, I tested it very briefly running trains.  I found that it ran a postwar locomotive very well; it would not run a contemporary Lionel locomotive.  I recall seeing people report that it won't operate postwar whistles, although I didn't test this.  I think this is why this transformer was not commercially successful.  It wasn't entirely satisfactory for postwar trains, and it had problems operating trains with contemporary electronics.  You can experiment and see what it can do for you.  In any case, it's a great unit for light and accessory power, and you got it at a great price.

Keith

[jwse30]

I used this transformer to power my last layout. (in addition to a 1033 for my trolley line). I run mostly postwar engines, with a few MPC, and one TMCC equipped GG1. I didn't have any problems  running anything I own with it. The whistle motors worked, but they seemed to work better if I used the bell button instead of the horn one. The extra buttons (brake, momentum, etc.) don't work too well, if at all, unless the engine has can motors.  The stop button on either paddle will stop both circuits, which is a good feature IMO.

I am happy with it, and am planning on using it for my next layout. One nice advantage is that you can mount the transformer under the table,and just have the two throttle paddles on your control panel. That freed up a bit of space on my cluttered control panel.

All that said, I remember CTT used to include this transformer in its tests when it reviewed a locomotive. It seemed about half the new stuff at that time did not work properly with this transformer. I was told the compatibility issue is caused by the transformer not putting out a true sine wave, but instead uses a square wave for the frequency, and some of the newer electronics don't know how to react to that.  I've never heard of the full power problem  mentioned earlier.  I can  see where  that would be a major  flaw.  Fortunately, I haven't had that happen,  and hope it doesn't.

J White

[perry1060]

I've owned this transformer for 10+ years w/no problems. Before switching to tmcc, I used it for track power on an old layout I had when living in Vegas.

Now I only use it for fixed voltage to my switches and 'Track 1' variable power for my cabin lighting...so I can dim / brighten them all at once. I modified my remote so I can't turn the knob past 12 volts.