New trains set

[ADbrass]

I am new to the G-scale trains sets. I have a White Pass & Yukon trains set, with a 1 amp controler. But now I purchessed a three engine "Santa Fe" unit. Could anyone tell me what amp controller I should get? 

I am planning on plcaing this outside next summer, but right now I only have it on 64 feet of track.

Thanks Adbrass                                                                                                           

[ttrigg]

Adbrass

Rather than attempt to answer your question, I’m going to ask you few more. When you move outside will you be running analog, or some form of remote control? How large of a layout are you looking forward to? (What is your five-year construction plan?) How many engines do you envision running at one time? Let’s work on how much power you will need five years from now, purchase one unit that will fill your needs for years to come rather than buying several small (increasingly larger) power supplies.

Not knowing your answers to the above questions, I would overpower now and build the trains to fit the power. I’d look at a 10 (or 15) amp unit.

[ADbrass]

Thanks Tom. What you said is a great idea, as I did plan to have two seperate trains running out side and I would be looking at abuout 250 to 400 feet of track. Right now the "santa Fe" is the three engine set and there are 10 cars that I have. So I would be looking at 15 amp, so my future plans will have the power. Once again thanks

[IRB Souther Engineer]

10 amp: good 15 amp: better

One more question to ask yourself: What brand of trains do you think you will run the most (and as said above "how many trains will you be running at one time")?

Locomotives from a company like USA Trains will use a lot more power than HLW- it has to do with the motor block(s). Just another thing to think about.

[dwbeckett]

I have run 3 FA's and 4 F3's at rhe same time with 15 amp Bridgework's power supply

Dave

[ttrigg]

I have to agree with all the above, bigger is better (as it is with all MAN TOYS). 15 amp will serve you well for several years to come.

[g. gage]

I have a hillside 450’ loop with 2.5% grades and several passing tracks. I use an Aristo 10 amp Ultima power supply with an Aristo Train Engineer for track power; I like to walk with my trains. I can run two 15 – 20 car trains each with two USAT F3s or GP9s, plus caboose.

 

Have fun, Rob