When I switched to N scale just over a couple years ago, I simply continued to use the transformers which I had used when I was into HO. These are a Railpower 1300 and a similar one made by Athearn (I could post a pic if that helps).
These two transformers generally work well, although I think the Railpower one might be "dying." Recently, I've heard that some other transformers might work better with N. Is this the case and, if so, which ones would be best? FYI, I'm mainly running British N, but that shouldn't make any difference. I'm always trying to maximize smooth low-running operation. And I think I read that some transformers, specially geared for N, might help with this.
Thanks for any feedback.
Rob
Robert I have 4 different transformers from 2 different companies but I don't use the throttle on any of them. I use GML ( <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.thegmlenterprises.com/index.html">http://www.thegmlenterprises.com/index.html</a><!-- m --> ) throttles which hook to the accessory side of the transformers and have a 7 foot cable for more freedom of movement. Your Railpower which is a VERY bottom line el cheapo transformer (I use one myself) will probably be fine with a GML hooked to it. I have no connections to this company other than being a satisfied customer. They also make variable speed fast clocks as well.
Tyson Rayles Wrote:Robert I have 4 different transformers from 2 different companies but I don't use the throttle on any of them. I use GML ( <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.thegmlenterprises.com/index.html">http://www.thegmlenterprises.com/index.html</a><!-- m --> ) throttles which hook to the accessory side of the transformers and have a 7 foot cable for more freedom of movement. Your Railpower which is a VERY bottom line el cheapo transformer (I use one myself) will probably be fine with a GML hooked to it. I have no connections to this company other than being a satisfied customer. They also make variable speed fast clocks as well.
Thanks! Probably time to ditch the Railpower transformer then! It's sticking a little, i.e. sometimes I have to push the direction switch far to the left (and even hold it sometimes) or to the right to get it to move in those directions. :cry:
Will looking into the GML throttle as well.
Cheers, Rob
Rob
You might check the flea markets for some older transistor throttles. These can be hooked to the AC terminals of the old power packs.
I have an old one made by Intrakit in Ottawa which has 3 push buttons.
Another is called Pacematic which I think was made by Peter Thorne and described in an old Model RR electronics books.
Both probably over 30 years old.
"Basic" train set power packs tend to have 2 problems. Th N gauge ones have low power. The HO ones don't go down to a low enough voltage for N.
I always favored MRC's Control Master 20 or the Tech II Rail Power 1400 for my N Scale. I still have both.
"It's sticking a little, i.e. sometimes I have to push the direction switch far to the left (and even hold it sometimes) or to the right to get it to move in those directions. :cry:"
Those thing won't matter if you are using the GML (or similar) throttles (which also control direction). My RP 1300 started doing that but with the GML I have been running trains silky smooth of of it for over 4 years now.
"Basic" train set power packs tend to have 2 problems. The N gauge ones have low power. The HO ones don't go down to a low enough voltage for N."
Again once you hook to the AC side of the transformer all those problems disappear. My bottom end Railpower 1300 is running a double (both powered) headed freight with no problems what so ever.
That said I probably would stay away from REALLY cheap train set power packs like the ones from Tyco and Bachmann.
BR60103 Wrote:Rob
You might check the flea markets for some older transistor throttles. These can be hooked to the AC terminals of the old power packs.
I have an old one made by Intrakit in Ottawa which has 3 push buttons.
Another is called Pacematic which I think was made by Peter Thorne and described in an old Model RR electronics books.
Both probably over 30 years old.
"Basic" train set power packs tend to have 2 problems. Th N gauge ones have low power. The HO ones don't go down to a low enough voltage for N.
Thanks, David. I'll look into some of these. As mentioned, my current transformers work OK, although it would be nice to improve the low running speeds. One of these throttles sounds like it might be what I need. Rob
Tyson Rayles Wrote:"It's sticking a little, i.e. sometimes I have to push the direction switch far to the left (and even hold it sometimes) or to the right to get it to move in those directions. :cry:"
Those thing won't matter if you are using the GML (or similar) throttles (which also control direction). My RP 1300 started doing that but with the GML I have been running trains silky smooth of of it for over 4 years now.
"Basic" train set power packs tend to have 2 problems. The N gauge ones have low power. The HO ones don't go down to a low enough voltage for N."
Again once you hook to the AC side of the transformer all those problems disappear. My bottom end Railpower 1300 is running a double (both powered) headed freight with no problems what so ever.
That said I probably would stay away from REALLY cheap train set power packs like the ones from Tyco and Bachmann.
Thanks... These GML throttles sound great. Do they only deal via mail order or do LHS's carry them? Sounds like the former... Rob
Rob I don't have any hobby shops within a 4 hour drive from here so I don't know. I called their phone # and had them in 5 days.
Tyson Rayles Wrote:Rob I don't have any hobby shops within a 4 hour drive from here so I don't know. I called their phone # and had them in 5 days.
OK, thanks. Might consider their most basic model.
Yeah mine is the basic model and it works great.