Has anyone had experience with kato power pack on small layout DC only. Think of getting one and also going to dcc in future, i do use unitrack but wanted input the powerpack
The Kato power pack is a rather simple, no frills, no gadgets power pack, which does its job, but is certainly overpriced for what it offers. Do I recommend it? No!!!
I used them on my N scale layout and they worked great. They are simple to use and never had any problems with them. Yes, I would buy them again.
Stanley,
It might be more economical to go with an MRC Railpower 1370:
Simple but VERY solid. I've found new ones before on eBay for $25. If and when you do go to DCC, you can always use the 1370 for powering peripherals like lighting.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
tstageMight be more economical to go with an MRC Railpower 1370
I agree with Tom; you can't go wrong with an MRC pack. I have a couple that are more than 50 years old and still work fine. I use one on my test track, and the other is a standby for testing on my workbench
George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch
+1 for MRC. I have one and I now use it to power accessories.
POWER supply of LION
Is Br. John fussing with the wires. It is his job to fuss with wires and the pipes and the boilers. I hear that the coal boiler is down, waiting for a tube replacement, right now the gas boiler is running. Gas boiler has more horsepower than the coal boiler, but coal is still cheaper to burn.
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
I started with a Kato power pack, but soon found it to be a little under-powered. I bought an MRC unit and was much happier. (I have since migrated to DCC.)
Richard
A good MRC powerpack is your best bet. If you do go to DCC in the future, you can use it to power accessories and layout lights.
One more vote for MRC. The Kato pack is fine for N scale (their main production scale 1s Nj, 1:150) one train only. One of my two-motored catenary locos would eat it alive - and then go looking for the second course.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - 1:80 scale)
Instead of buying a new power pack, just use your old Life-Like or Bachmann that came in the train set.
Amtrak America, 1971-Present.
I also recommend a MRC power pack-a good used MRC Tech 2 can be had for around $10.00 at most shows.
This one cost me $5.00 and it was in excellent condition.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
tomikawaTTOne of my two-motored catenary locos would eat it alive - and then go looking for the second course.
That´s exactly what happened to my Kato powerpack! I tried to run a twin-motored Bemo Furka-Oberalp Railway boxcab electric (the one on my avatar) and the Kato power pack would just blow the fuse - way to weak for anything drawing more than .6 amps!
Got a tech 2, an I love it! They are very common, seem to have plenty of power, and have a great momentum function.
-Peter. Mantua collector, 3D printing enthusiast, Korail modeler.