Being new at this and all and also knowning some of you out there have some really swell layouts, I was wondering if you would share how you control your trains and what type of power supply do you use?
If you are running battery power or DCC you don't have to respond. I just want to see how you conventional users solved their power system and control center problems.
While my layout will be small by comparison to most I will never-the-less have several turnouts to operate. Three on my main line and about eight on the freight line. I want some sort of central command station where controls for all the turn-outs are located, along with my main power source to the tracks. I know these problems have all been solved before so I was hoping you might share some of your ideas, mistakes, and or secrets.
If you have pictures that would be great -
Thanks in advance for you time..............
I have been very happy with Aristocraft's Ultima Power Supply and Train Engineer combo. The power supply provides up to 10 amps of power and I've run two trackside t/e's off of it with absolutely no problems. Last year I built a new layout and decided that since this mainline was going to be far longer than my others and there will be points along it's route that would be next to impossible to keep clean for track power, that I would go to battery power. I simply took one of my trackside t/e's out of it's case and stuck it to the floor board of a forty foot boxcar using double back tape. I then placed a Ryobi 18Volt drill battery in there next to it, connected them together, and to the loco, and "VOILA!" instant trailing car for battery power. All I needed was to reroute where my loco's motors got there power from via a small connector, and I was up and running.
This method may not work for everyone but it has worked like a charm for me. So if your looking at track power with an eye for maybe converting to battery operation in the future, this may be a way to consider.
Mark
I would have to second Mark's view of Aristo's TE. I have had it for several years and it is very reliable and easy to use. However I outgrown the system and am switching to LGB's MTS which I have had several chances to use. That system is great because you can control loco speed, direction, lighting functions, sound functions, as well as all the switches you will ever have, all from the palm of your hand with the MTS Universal remote.
Mark, about how long of a run time do you get off of one of those batteries with a full charge? What loco do you have it powering?
I have had LGB MTS now for about 3 years and it is the best thing for me, it has many other benefits apart from those mentioned above. It also has an on board built in memory and is terrific under adverse conditions such as steep climbs and descents; as it will keep the locos speed constant and it will remember dirty track spots ands stuff like that. If you are just starting out is cheaper than the conventional one, as you need less track to do the same job and less block wiring, none at all actually if you want any normal layout.
However i have bbeen to many analogue layouts and they usuually have a control box which is weather proof mounted on a pedestal of some type and these are very complex devices. Many switches to do different things and they use their points (switches) to activate various isolated sections; about 50 years behind MTS.
Withh DCC, all parts of the layout have maximum voltage across them at all times and this is the optimum situation.
Rgds Ian
Age is only a state of mind, keep the mind active and enjoy life
Thanks everyone. Good information. Have made a note to myself about Aristo's Train Engineer. Sounds like what I'm looking for.
Thanks again...............
What is the approximate cost of the Train Engineer thing? I've not yet laid a foot of track and still want battery vs track power, but it looks pretty expensive for an ORT (Ole Retired Guy).
Les Whitaker
Les i have seen those train engineers in use and they are ok, but not in the same league as a DCC system.
I was looking up information on the Train Engineer Power System, CREST 5470. It looks like a transmitter and receiver system? I'm not sure that is what I want as have no plans for DC or DCC operations. Pricy over too, over $150. Is there another system that delivers sufficient power to do what I want?
i.e. - Run one train and operate several turnouts. Lenght of track 165 feet.
Thanks.
I f you can get one for $150 that will operate any points (switches) as well as a loco I'd be surprised; do you have any idea how they would operate the points?
Ian
Hi ian have you any idea what the cost of the LGB MTS system you mentioned.
cheers Dennis.
Will operate the turn-outs seperate from main line power. Something like Two Tone was telling me about.
Regards,
Yes Dennis it costs about A$1000.00 here in Aus if you bought it from the distributor, but i buy very little from them; you should get one on ebay or from Ridge Rd or Trainworld for less than half that.
You need a 24 V 6 A transformer and a central station. As well you will need a hand controller, i use the most expensive one, a universal as you can programme with it and also it will operate points. I also have a radio transmitter and reciever as well, because of my situation. If you like i will give you LGB numbers and prices.
Each loco will need to be fitted with a decoder and again they are about A$100.00 but half that from O/S. You can fit them yourself but be selective about which loco you buy ("D" gearbox ones are better i think). I am getting right into automation and i wish i had Lenz Gold decoder instead of LGB, although their series 3 may provide assymetrical braking.
Rgds ian
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