DC Wiring Question

[Anonymous]

This may be a simple question but I just needed some clarification on wiring a DC layout. As your layout expands do you need a more powerful DC controller or just more wires feeding out to the track?

To phrase it a little differently, does there come a point where the DC controller becomes underpowered for a long length of track? (Even with feeder wires every few feet)

I just can't seem to get my head around that.

[cacole]

No, the length of track does not have as much an effect as the number of locomotives, lighted passenger cars, and other items that draw current from the power pack as long as you have an adequate number of feeder wires around the layout, because the actual electrical resistance of rail itself is negligible.

If you don't have rail joints soldered, they add resistance and can cause a voltage drop around a large layout with only one power feed.

[Anonymous]

Ok cool, I was looking into picking up a DC power pack for a simple but large layout. Basically one train on a long stretch of track and was curious if the DC Pack had to be more powerful.

[ndbprr]

If you are going DC I would go with an MRC power pack. Hands down the highest quality, features and power.

[Anonymous]

Any model in particular? I see there is the 1370 with 18 watts of power and I see there are Tech 4 model 200,220,260 and 280. I'm basically gonna run one train over a large layout and would imagine I'll have some accessories. I'm going to try and keep it simple like a large oval with sidings and stuff.

[Anonymous]

I have a pair of used MRC 2400's paid $15 for one and $18 for another used but very good condition. They have very good slow speed control, a brake, and a momentum switch. I saw lots of DC power packs going cheap, I guess everyone is jumping on the DCC wagon. Anyway I second it, you Can't go wrong with a MRC, But the 1370, ( Which I have one ) is a pretty basic pack. The real deal if you can snag one is the Dual control power packs, for that day when you Add another train and some blocks. Dave

[Seamonster]

I second (third?) the motion re MRC power packs. Just one thing about the dual model. Most dual power packs have a common connection between the two throttles which makes them unsuitable for use with common rail wiring.

[siberianmo]

[2c] regarding MRC dual power packs and DC common rail wiring:

I've been operating HO trains for decades using MRC dual power packs with common rail wiring and never - repeat - never have experienced any difficulties insofar as conflict between controllers or anything else is concerned. My former layout ran four cabs independently of one another using these packs and so does my current layout.

My Tech II dual packs are now retired and used for other purposes, and my current large layout is operated using the Tech IV's.

There is ONE thing however to report about them that I found a bit disingenuous.

The throttles of the Tech IV's had to be nearly at full in order for the trains to reach even a reasonable appearance of realistic speed. In numerous discussions with them (Email and fone) I found that there IS a glitch regarding the power output - but it has absolutely nothing to do with common rail wiring. It has everything to do with the packs being more suited for N gauge than HO - according to MRC's tech (I have the hard copy .....). Anyway, I sent the packs back to MRC for a tweaking and now they are a bit more able to come to realistic speed without being chock blocked. When I suggested that they either make 'em right or advertise them honestly, you can guess what the response was!

I can't say definitively whether MRC is the best out there - but had I do it over again, I'd probably avoid the dual packs - not because of any common rail wiring conflilcts - but because the other MRC's provide more power.

[Anonymous]

How about the MRC Tech 4 600, anyone use that?