Need Recomendations for Economical DC Power Packs

[Anonymous]

The tracks are down and the trains are running on my new layout. Unfortunately, I currently have to run all three trains on one 18 year old power pack. Can anyone give me a recommendation for decent quality, inexpensive power packs? I have a very simple (electronically) N Scale layout with three independent tracks. I plan to have a different power pack for each line.

[cacole]

I would not recommend any "cheap" power pack, such as those that come with train sets, because they do not have enough power output or are too poorly regulated for smooth running locomotives. Invest your money in a good power pack and your trains will run much better. Cheap power packs easily overheat and burn out. Many of them are NOT Underwriter's Laboratories approved devices and are fire and electrocution hazards.

[Anonymous]

You might be able to find a decent power pack on ebay. MRC makes a good power pack for about fifty dollars. Also try here http://www.wholesaletrains.com/Search2.asp?Search=tech+4&scale=%25&Submit22=+Search+Again+

[simon1966]

I needed 3 DC packs for my layout. I did not want to spend a lot as I was planning to convert to DCC. e-Bay was a great place to pick up good used MRC Tech 2 packs. With so many people going to DCC there are a lot of used ones on the market. They seem to go for anywhere between $7 and $15 if you check the completed items.

[nfmisso]

Thorn;

As mentioned above, look for a MRC Tech 2 (aka Tech II) on ebay. Any should more than fill your needs.

Nigel

[dknelson]

I understand not wanting to spend much if you are switching to DCC soon -- still you want good performance right away. Maybe someone else who has made the move to DCC locally is selling their old powerpack? A word in praise of MRC:
My test track on my workbench is powered with the MRC "Ampack" that I received with my very first HO train set and we are talking about circa 1962 or so -- over 40 years of service with no problems and the case looks as nice as when it was new. How many household electronic items can say the same?
Dave Nelson

[johncolley]

A thought would be to check out garage/yard sales and swap meets/ train shows in your area.

[Anonymous]

I second EBAY. I've bought (2) MRC TECH II power packs in like new condition for $15 or less. I've also picked one up at my local Hobby shop used for $12.00. many people are dumping perfectly good power packs to purchase DCC equipment. I think it's a buyers market right now for Good DC power packs. On Ebay just watch the shippng cost, many of these power packs are heavy. you can't go wrong with MRC and I have a better Bachman Spectrum Power pack that I've seen go for less than $10 on Ebay. Dave