Ok, now all I've got (as a transformer) is a mangy blue object that, I think, gives 230V. It came with a Lima set, years ago. I think it's not very powerful, which is why I want to know if it will power a big Bachmann 4-8-4 steam engine. If I buy the engine will it work on a basic transformer? That's all I wanna know. Because, the engine I'm buying is off the internet, and it's difficult for me to replace it. Any info? Thanks.
I hope you mean it 'takes' 230V ... it probably 'gives' 0-15V DC or thereabouts. If it is a European device it probably is OK, but if you have reason to think it might be a US one, then it will take 120V and you should not try it out. Whatever it is it ought to have some markings on it somewhere to indicate ratings. They may be quite cryptic, like 230~ 15VA 0...15VDC 0.9A. If you can see any then post them up and we'll try and decode them for you. That said, I'd be surprised if almost any controller wouldn't be able to drive any single HO loco, unless it was an old one with a very heavy current motor. However, it sounds like you should probably junk that unit and get something better anyway. Given the relative costs, choosing engines on the basis of whether they will work off something 'mangy and not very powerful' is hardly logical.
I'm with Mike on this one. The newer transformers will provide you purer DC compared to the older ones. Me thinks it's time to retire your transformer and seek better power. Most MRC transformers will handle just about anything you throw at them with regards to HO locomotives.
my couzin has a bachman southern pacific 4-8-4 G4 Mountain and it runs fine on the life like blue mass things
You're right Yup, it takes 230V, not gives, otherwise it would be quite dangerous! There are some markings on the underside, and, if it is Lima, isn't it European? I agree with you on everything else. And I'll don a better one anyway. I bought that thing in the nineties, and now it's falling apart.
