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
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
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
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
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
May your flanges always stay BETWEEN the rails
challenger3980 wrote: 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
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
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
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.