I am fairly new to the hobby (about 2 years in). I have a USA trains starter set that I expanded with extra track in my Back Yard. Single loop about 100' of track. Right now I am using the Transformer that came with the set (USA Trains 40 M). It is sufficient to run the train, but if I run it for an extended amount of time (over an hour) it shuts down. It seems it overheats and has to cool even though it sits on a milk crate with plenty of airflow. I am wondering if there is a transformer more suited to outside operation/long use or what I would need to do to provide constant power to the track and control the train remotely. My budget at any given time is in the hundreds, but if I can get what I need in stages that is fine. Thanks!
Starter set packs are generally woefully underpowered for long-term usage, so it's just the nature of the beast there. What I'd recommend would be for you to get a regulated power supply, then hook it to some kind of throttle control. Many folks like the "Meanwell" 24-volt/10-amp power supplies. They've got a good reputation and are fairly inexpensive. Others have used power supplies for HAM radios, etc. Aristo-Craft also makes one (under their "Crest" brand name), and you can probably find some used on ebay. You want something that will deliver between 18 and 24 volts, and at least 10 amps, though.
Then you'll need a throttle controller. You've got a few options here. If you just want simple control, Aristo (Crest) makes a 10-amp throttle controller that'll do everything you need it to do for simple control. LGB also makes one, though I'm not a big fan of their "turn the knob left for reverse, right for forward, up is off" motion. I like a knob for speed and a switch for direction.
You can also use the power supply to provide power to something like Aristo's Train Engineer. Many folks are still using their "old" (out of production) version, which gives you a base station and a wireless transmitter to control it. The base station will work as the throttle controller does in the above example, but the control interface itself is a wireless hand-held controller. Historically, that product has a good track record for reliability.
If you wanted to venture into the realm of on-board control, you can use the same power supply to feed 24 volts directly to the rails, then use Aristo's "Revolution" control system to control each locomotive individually. Each loco would have its own receiver, which is linked to the transmitter. You select the loco you want to run, and you're off and running. Aristo's current receivers also include a basic steam or diesel sound on the receiver, so you get that as well. You can easily turn it off if you don't want it, or install a 3rd-party sound system instead. (See my review in this month's GR) Aristo also makes a trackside version for this system, called the "super receiver," so you could use it in that capacity then switch over to the on-board stuff as your collection grows.
If you wanted the "ultimate" in on-board control, then you can go with a DCC system. Those aren't necessarily cheap to get started with, but give you a very high degree of control over motors, lights, sounds, accessories, etc. And, that little regulated power supply you bought will work with these systems as well!
As an alternative, you can get a dedicated "power pack" that has the power supply and throttle all in one (essentially what you've already got, but on steroids). Bridgewerks, MRC, USA Trains, and others make 10-amp controllers in this configuration, and they're all reliable. Bridgewerks (and USA Trains, I believe) also make multiple-output versions, so you can control more than one loop of track from one powers supply.
Later,
K
Thanks for all the info, this gives me a great place to start!
Hi I would go with Kevin's comments I use the Aristo train engineer the only thing I would say is the T/E 10 channel unit is old hat now and can not be repaired, If going with Aristo I would go for the Aristo Revolution with loco on board control. Hope this helps
Age is only a state of mind, keep the mind active and enjoy life
It does thanks.
And Aristo now has a base station rated at 15 amps to drive the track.
Only problem with that system was pulsed power, but they do market a unit to make the power to the track linear.
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