a good dc power pack

[unionpacificnut]

I think i am going to get a MRC tech 4 260.

[lvanhen]

I've been using MRC since the '60's, don't remember the old one, but the current one is a Tech II 1440 that's far from new.  My newest one is also MRC, but it is DCC!!!! (Prodigy Advance)  You can run both with the use of a DPDT switch!!

[trainfan1221]

I have had a Tech II and have another more fancy one.  They are prety good and certainly better than a train set transformer.  I think they are up to Tech 4 or something..none of my local hobby stores seem to have them.  As I said on another post, I think the day will come when they will try to force DCC on everyone.

[Virginian]

I am still running three MRC Tech II 2400s, so they must be doing something right.  If one of these should quit I would be online looking for another one just like them for a replacement in a heartbeat.

[Don Gibson]

The MRC 9500 is being closed out for $70 -$80 right now and offers the most 'bang' for the 'buck' right now.

2.5 amps of power will handle a lashup of Athearn BB engines, plus have enough power for twin coil switch machines and accessories. It's also the only power pack with meters, to show you how much power each engine takes to run, by itself, and in a consist.

[beegle55]

MRC is the best way to go by far! I don't know about the Tech 4's, but all the models I'm familar with are great! No wrong way to go with MRC. Just my

 -beegle55

[unionpacificnut]

Hi UP NUT,

     I personally like the MRC 9500, they are a very nice and powerful power pack with meters. Trainworld lists them for $69.99 the last time that I looked, item code AG 950. I think that the last time I saw them at the LHS, they were about $100.00 or $114.00, mine still work great so I haven't really been watching the prices though.

     I agree UP ALL THE WAY,  Steam will always be KING, as much as I like the Bigboys, the Challengers are my Favorites. I have a complete collection of the Lionel HO Challengers, and they are my Favorite HO locomotive of all. They are very SMOOOTH runners and sound great, but could use traction tires. I also really like the Trix Bigboy and the Proto 2K heritage Y-3s they are also very nice running locomotives Doug

anyone who likes UP is all right in my book. I like the big boys and the challengers. I agree UP steam is always KING, I have one big boy but i want another and i am gonning to get the biggest diesel in the world. the dd40x

[challenger3980]

Hi UP NUT,

     I personally like the MRC 9500, they are a very nice and powerful power pack with meters. Trainworld lists them for $69.99 the last time that I looked, item code AG 950. I think that the last time I saw them at the LHS, they were about $100.00 or $114.00, mine still work great so I haven't really been watching the prices though.

     I agree UP ALL THE WAY,  Steam will always be KING, as much as I like the Bigboys, the Challengers are my Favorites. I have a complete collection of the Lionel HO Challengers, and they are my Favorite HO locomotive of all. They are very SMOOOTH runners and sound great, but could use traction tires. I also really like the Trix Bigboy and the Proto 2K heritage Y-3s they are also very nice running locomotives.

                                                                                                Doug

[rrinker]

 Can't go wrong with the MRC. They have and continue to make probably the best affordable DC power packs. You CAN get better ones - but they aren't cheap. ANd there are PLENTY of poor ones that cost as much or more than MRC.

 

                                       --Randy

[tstage]

UPNut,

Your best DC power packs are going to be MRC.  For simplicity, the Railpower 1370 is a terrific model.  If you want to add momentum and braking, the Tech 4 series are the ones you want.  If you want amperage meters in order to detect shorts or amounts of current draw, the Power Command 9500 is your ticket.

Tom 

[unionpacificnut]

I wanted to know what would be a good dc power pack for my layout. I stopped using my life-like power pack. so i want a new one. And i wanted advice on what would be a good pack. Thanks for any help!