Ok, Just gotta ask this one, as I am now looking for another power solution for my outdoor layout. What Power supplies are you all using?? Which ones would u recomend?? and why?? Obviously, cost is an issue. If money were not an issue, (yeah, right) I would go with a Bridgewerks unit. However, cost is a factor........so what are some of the other supplies available, that can handle the amps?? Any and all responses, welcome. Regards, Darryl
I'm using a Chicago Sky Models Blue Hogger Transformer. It's divided up between G, HO, and N. I can run my units on N-Scale with low amp draw power. This transformer is almost 15 years old. I am going to be upgrading soon to a Bridgewerks Mini Mag power supply for the Aristo Train Engineer Revolution system. Everyone I know uses Bridgewerks and if you need bare minimum power, The Mini Mag actually holds up very well. Bridgewerks Power packs are also highly reccomended. Just remember to use 10 Gauge Wire.
I use 2 different supplies, depending on what I'm running. For the DC locomotives I have, I use an MTH Z4000, with a 12Amp bridge rectifier wired in. For the DCC locomotives I have, I'm using a Digitrax 5Amp DCC system. Although, I'm starting to think about upgrading to the 8Amp system. At least for the G Scale stuff. Using current system for the N Scale stuff. I use both, since I've got both on hand. What works for me, may not work for you however. YMMV
Bridgewerks may cost more, but it's a investment that you can always get back. I would never go back to any other transformer after using Bridgwerks. Dave who owns the company has even been known to fix Bridgewerks transformers when they are out of warranty for free, I know first hand, he upgraded the linears when the old ones blew for free and the transformer was 7 years old. Thats why I wo 3 of them today, the oldest being 9 years old. USA Trains need alot of amps and volts. My first transformer was a MRC which basiclly melted when trying to run a USA triple header. Sorry MRC lovers, this one was junk. A 10 amp supply like the one I use for my little ones set is ok for a small train pulled by a low current draw locomotive, but those USA locomotives love to use power.
EMD, Yes, Bridgewerks would be my first choice, if money were not a consideration. I know from my other hobbies, one gets what one pays for and service is an intangible commodity.......so Id rather pay more for good service than cheap products. That being said, I know that eventually I would/will need a two cab power pack, and the Bridgewerks model would be a BIG s t r e t c h on my budget!!!!! Ill just have to keep looking for one that will work for now, and then save the pennies for that big purchase down the road. If anyone has a decent shape 5-10 amp controller they arent using......shoot me a line! Regards..... Darryl
Pick up a MRC 6200 it's a 6 amp controller and will do the Job, I currently have mine powering about 120 ft. of track without any issue.
Power train of thought Well, Looks like I may need to get something sooner, rather than later. I was running my layout last night for some friends, and at the end, the power pack I have was smelling a bit toasty. It was not hot, but deffinitly has that burnt electrical smell. After speaking to my wife, (an HO scale modeler) I was suprised to hear her say that we should probably consider the DCC route, since eventually thats where I would like to go with this layout........... So....the price just went up ............and now the new question is...... "What DCC units are u using???" I have done some reading.....but will need to research in more depth to see what I would like to get. D
Well believe it or not, atm my friend dave let me borrow his Train Engineer Revolution Beta kit from his Analog Black Widow Units. That system is amazing, and I have a pair of receivers on hold at the local hobby shop (waiting on a certain large sum of money to come in around september). LocoLinc is a good choice and so is Airwire. I don't know much about QSI's DCC Decoders though.
The QSI decoders work, and sound, pretty good! Have them installed on a pair of Aristo Craft GP40's, and in a USAT SD70MAC. Used the Airwire for a while, until I threw my throttle at the ground. Rendering it useless. Now, I'm using my Digitrax 5 Amp system to run trains. Find that I get better access to sounds over the Airwire system. In my case, I'm finding that I need to upgrade to the Digitrax 8 Amp system. I trip current sysytem if I attempt to run 2 locomotives at once. Whether as single units, or consisted. Tethered, or radio throttle works great!
