USA TRAINS GG-1

[Libation Station]

I have trouble getting  more than 16 DC volts to the track for this large locomotive, and since it has  (2) 24 DC volt Pittman motors...it runs like a dog on 16 volts on my MRC AG 900. Anyone have any suggestions as to how to get more muscle to this wonderful G scale model  Do I need another power source? What DCC system would work best with this locomotive.

Cheers from,

Libation Station

[dwbeckett]

If Your going to use DCC use a High AMP reveiver, any brand will work. If you are using track power add some jumpers I.E. more track connections. and clean your track . Or you could go with Batteries  2 - 12volt auto battries would more then power your GG1. Or find a used Power supply with Higher output both volts and amps.

[devils]

Friend of mine has one and runs it on the Aristocraft 10 amp controller, runs fine on that and it has enough power for all the coach lights as well.

For DCC I'd think anything that any system that will supply 8-13 amps would work. The power consumption of multiple lashups is the main thing to consider if you're going to run several locos.

The USA coaches with lights draw about 1/2 an amp each. Just for info I have started using Zimo decoders in my aristo and USA locos as they have high current limits and work with my LGB-MTS and others NMRA DCC systems.

Paul

[Greg Elmassian]

I run DCC and USAT locos. It's very hard to get scale speeds from them, so I advise to get as close to the max NMRA voltage as you can.

First, you need to get a true RMS voltmeter to see what you are actually getting at the rails. You cannot use an ordinary voltmeter. I use the RampMeter.

Next, I can tell you that with 20v RMS DCC on the rails, my USAT F units go about 45 smph. I'm using NCE system and NCE D808 decoders.

I contacted NCE and asked them why I can't get more voltage out of the booster, no matter what voltage I put in, I can't get more than 20.1 volts to the rails.

They asked me to send it back in, will "take a look at it" and I'm confident they will live up to their spec which is 22 volts, I believe. I will ask them to push it to the max, which is 24v by the NMRA spec.

Those last 2 volts make quite a lot of difference in top speed, believe me.

Regards, Greg

[Libation Station]

Appreciate your advice...how fast does your firends train run? Mine runs only about 30 smph. with all lights on.

Stuart

 

[devils]

hard to say what the max speed is but I would say it was running at 50 to 60 mph, good enough for passenger trains anyway. Sound, lights and on the coaches too.