Got my vintage MRC Cab Control model 2 today. Got it mounted and wired on the layout this evening. I am feeding it with a LGB 1 amp starter set transformer(it handles more than an amp, thats just thier rating on it) It has a nice fast acting electronic circuit breaker, and the Cab Control has one as well. Also repowered Climax #1 today with a Canon EN22 motor. Much more consistant speed and a bit quieter. There are so many gears in these models that silent running is nearly impossible. Mike the Aspie
Silly NT's, I have Asperger's Syndrome
That's pretty neat! Years ago I used a similar box that was an MRC Model 44 "Walk Around" cab control. This is why it is handy to have a constant DC out from your power pack.
It was ideal for use near a yard that I had since I could reach both ends of the yard with the throttle in my hand.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/MRC-Model-44-Cab-Control-Vintage-With-Original-Box/162610981672?hash=item25dc5eab28:g:YL0AAOSwighZflnD
Poor man's walk around control
Regards, Ed
whats nice is the variable supply that feeds it, is right behind it mounted under the layout, so I can adjust it if I need more power or back it off if I am running something like a Kato that needs little power to run. I have both of my industry tracks blocked, just need to run feeder wires to the block rail(south rail is common) and route the wires back to the Atlas selector. Along with installing Tortise switch machine on the back side industry track that I cannot reach Front track has a ground throw on it. There was a company that made lighted low switch lanterns that could be linked to the points to rotate when the points are thrown to indicate turnout postion. Those are in my plans eventually. Need to finish the rework/repower/paint job on Climax #3 and Baldwin 0-8-0 #2. Only the big 3 truck Climax is painted. And the F3 on its way for the diner train is factory painted. Mike the Aspie
Here is the diner train power. In time the coaches will also be brass, but at the beginning I plan to get a couple of the Athearn streamliners in Burlington, probably the obs, a coach and the RPO that I will make into a lounge/HEP car with the genset for the HEP in the old postal area. As with all of the rest of my motive power, the F3 is brass. Mike the Aspie
Personally, I like old school when it works well. Sounds like this does, and it looks good the way you mounted it. Reminds me of the '70s MR ads. Beautiful F3 too. Dan
Thanks Dan, yes, I like to go old school. Although the F3 will get one of Richmond Controls nice Mars light and directional lighting circuit in it. Here is a pic of my railroads primary engine, 70 ton three truck Climax #1. She is an old PFM/United import(no gear issues with these!) Mike the Aspie
My own Swiss NG layout is just like yours - old school DC block wiring and a decent walk around cab controller with momentum simulation and a brake feature. Anything more, like DCC, would be just wasted on this simple oval plus 1 siding layout.
I thought about getting one of the old MRC Golden walk arounds, but my layout is only 4' by 7' and against the wall on 3 of the 4 sides. So a fascia mounted cab controler is perfect If I find some nice long shaft, long toggle switches at a train show, I will pick up a couple and mount them true the wood facia of the layout to keep the "old school" look going. Atlas is nice, but those old large chrome toggle switches really give the vintage look. And you know when they are flipped, from the clunk they make and its easy to tell visualy what position they are in. Mike the Aspie
Nothing wrong with Old School.....works fine for Me.
I still have an MRC Tech II hand held, that I used a filtered 18volt AC transformer set-up by Me. The Tech II required AC to work. I no longer use it though. I have three MRC Control Master 20's with handhelds that I use. My layout was being set-up for three cab....but I changed it about ten yrs. ago.....It just become too big for one person. It was 12 x 40 and I built it in sections.....I made a 6' 1/2 x30 out of it and gave the other sections to My Grandsons, along with one control master 20.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/MRC-Teck-II-cab-control-with-proportional-tracking-control/292326673499?_trkparms=aid%3D888007%26algo%3DDISC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D49477%26meid%3D3e9f433bd3c34bbc861e2c83516a0c68%26pid%3D100009%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26sd%3D162610981672&_trksid=p2047675.c100009.m1982
I run both rails insulated and Do Not use Atlas control....toggles and pushbuttons. I stayed with 2 cab control. I do sometimes run DCC equipped engines with sound sometimes just for the younger grandkids....but I don't need it.
One of three control panels.....the handhelds are hanging from the top sides with velcro:
Take Care!
Frank
emdmikeI thought about getting one of the old MRC Golden walk arounds, but my layout is only 4' by 7' and against the wall
Mine is even smaller, just 3 by 5ft, built on a cabinet with casters, so I can move it around. My cab is on a 5ft. tether, sufficient for me to move around the layout and still be able to control the train. I like it, but I will still get soe device to store the controls, so I don´t have to hold it in my hands, which has become a problem due to illness.