hey thanks guys the feedback on other sites plus this one will help me decide but at 55.00 a peice (need 2) I gonna jump on em....thanks again
steve
Hi!
The mainstream producer of DC Powerpacks is MRC (Model Rectifier Corporation), which I believe is the maker of the pack you question. I think its safe to say that any DC pack put out by MRC is a high quality item that should last you for many years (mine has been with me for 25 years and powers turnouts on my DCC layout).
That being said, I urge you to get the most powerful pack you can afford (with power measured in amp output). Their biggest is the Controlmaster 20, which puts out 5 amps and isn't cheap, about $150 or so.
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
I only have one of the tech 4's and 3 of the copper boxes. I have never had a single problem with MRC as far as power packs go. Im DCC now, but I used to run at least two or more loco's per pack. Two of which, as another post said are easily 45+ years old! Even the tech 4 had no problem with my Lionel turbine and a pair of old athearn GP9's in behind.
Doug
The Tech4 packs are pretty good and can run several locos at once. My last one was a Tech4 280 Dual Pack that could run two separate tracks independently of one another. I still have it around here someplace. Here are the specs on the Tech4 260 you have.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
TA462 Tech 4 power packs are some of the best you can buy. I still have my old Tech 4 200 that's probably 10 years old now.
Tech 4 power packs are some of the best you can buy. I still have my old Tech 4 200 that's probably 10 years old now.
I still have and use my original Ampack that powered my original Penn Line trainset; is I think celebrating its 51st birthday. It even still looks good in its copper finish casing.
Dave Nelson
I'm not familiar with that particular power pack but I picked up a MRC Tech II dual power pack off of Ebay for less than $20. It works just fine and runs two trains independently. MRC has been around for a long time and makes quality products.
My layout is DC, and wired for multiple cab control. I have two of these units on my layout and they work great. I have a couple of BLI Blueline AC6000s that I've MU'ed for one train, and three Proto 2000 GP38-2s that make up another, and my Tech4s handle these trains with no problem, even up the 2% grade that goes from the lower to the upper level.
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
If that is a MRC unit (as I suspect) it's the same one I use to power one analog DC train, which may have up to three open-frame motors plus a few lights. It can handle one train. It won't be able to run multiple trains at once
Note that it is analog DC, and is usually referred to as a controller or power pack. "Transformer" is only appropriate when referring to those things that provide power to Lionel or Maerklin AC motored trains. There's a transformer in the box, but there's also a rectifier and some sophisticated electronics. If you ever put the straight AC power from a transformer to a DC locomotive the motor would burn up in a heartbeat.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
I am starting my new layout and I found this transformer...Tech 4-260 HO/N Accu-Tech Transformer 20VA w/Momentum, MRC AB131...can anyone tell me ifs a good unit or should I keep looking
thanks...steve