will a good Train Controller make my train move faster?

[Anonymous]

topic

[Anonymous]

Your trains is only going to move as fast as the motor in your locomotive will run.

All that getting a more powerful controller will do is max out your loco's faster. Instead of full power being at 100% on the controller, full power might be at 50% on your controller.

Best idea is to match your controller power with the scale you are building in.

More power for G scale, less power for Z.

[METRO]

Well Crow, the short answer is it shouldn't.

The long answer involves the question, why are you looking for more speed?

Most of today's locomotives operate directly within their prototypical speeds or a bit higher. A good train controler (throttle as they're called in Canada) will help put more uniform power onto the rails, especially the MRC "Tech" series. I used to use a Tech II throttle before I went to DCC and I found that it improved low speed operations actually.

I still use an old Tycho 70's era throttle on one of my test tracks, it was supposedly one of the worst of all time, but it still lays down about the same power as the Tech II that I have on my main test loop.

[Anonymous]

yes not really looking for speed, i just want a strong power connection

[Anonymous]

If your having areas of track where your engine slows down theres a couple things you can do. First check the wiring to the track to make sure it's properly connected to the power pack. If your doing dc make sure your switch soldiers or connections are good.
Then make sure your rail connections are good. Solder any joints together for smoothest running and the best electical connection(those rail connectors just don't seem to cut it)
Lastly run feeder wires in between connection points on tthe rails. This will help keep your electrical connections uniform over your layout.
If you have a newer powerpack then your should be fine with that. The only reason your might need more power is if you have a big layout or want to run more than 3-4 locos at a time.

[METRO]

Try a MRC Tech II they're not too expensive and are smooth. Also you might want to make sure your rails are free of gaps and such and that everything is clean and connecting well.

[Anonymous]

I just saw your other post. Once you fix those gaps you have, I'm sure your power problems will be fixed.
Andy

[Roadtrp]

Most present-day throttles supply more than enough power to get your locos running at prototypical top speed. I have a Spectrum Magnum throttle, which is about one step up from entry level equipment. At 55% power my N scale F40PH pulling four passenger cars does about 100 scale mph and my GP38-2 pulling 10 freight cars does about 80 scale mph. That is pretty close to the prototypical top speeds of 109 for the F40 and I believe something like 84 for the GP38.

[Big_Boy_4005]

I think you have it BACKWARDS!!!!

A GOOD train controller will make your train go SLOWER!!!

[swg]