I am thinking about making a new layout using Rokuhan track. I am also wondering about using non-Rokuhan power packs and turnout controls. This layout would have about 9 turnouts, so the array of Rokuhan switching boxes would take up a lot of room. Non-Rokuhan power packs is no problem with the use of the Atlas soldered wired track joiners, but I’m at a loss as to the alternatives for turnout controls. (Lots of internet browsing with no good suggestions and a tremendous amount of electrical engineer jibberish that is beyond me.) Any suggestions regarding turnout controls and power packs (I’ve been looking at the MRC 1300) would be greatly appreciated.
My favorite DC controller of the 3 I have used (Rokuhan, snail speed, Marklin) is the Marklin 67271. I bought a couple on fleabay and they are the least trouble, I mean they move all my loco's without any fuss.
Running DC no natter the source a gaugemaster will make them all better. It’s an ultrasonic track cleaner totally worth it. Jorger delux is In my mind the best. So hard to come by. Snail speed would be two. The modified MRC 1300 MT makes is 3rd marklin 4th. What I didn’t like about marklin is no slow speed control. It steps up. Solid yes. Jorger and snail gives a real nice creep. MRC is not bad. Slow speed better than marklin. I’ve always wondered what the kato DC controll would do. I’ve heard great things pure clean DC. Just a thought.
Agreed, the Achilles heel of my Marklin controllers is no crawling and big steps. But the loco’s don’t stop Maybe I’ll try another brand some day.
Well, if you have the bucks, you can use the Barrett Hills Shop Bipolar Controller (http://www.berretthillshop.com/store/products/bipolar-2-wire-snap-action-base) They come with a bi-color LED push button.
