DC Power Supply Recommendations

I'm getting close to building my first layout and was wondering what those here feel is good in the way of DC power supply.
Layout is going to be L shaped 32" wide with a 7' leg and a 3' leg and I'll be able to walk all the way around.
I would like to be able to run three trains- two continuous on double main and a seperate one for yard operations.
Does this sound like something remotely feasible?
Thanks for your help

 

I use the MRC Control Master 20. It has a lot of power and has a walk around control. I love it. However you can only run one train at a time with it. You might also try one of MRC's dual packs if you want dual cab control, and want to run two trains at one time. Unfortunately it is a "powerpack" and does not have walk around capability. I hope this helps and welcome to Trainboard!

 

I like the MRC power Command with the walk around features, it is very helpful even on a small layout and the power is great.

But MRC builds in general excellent power packs, or as with the power Command much larger amounts of power & features.

I use the MRC Power command 9500, its a great power pack as well, though you can't walk around.
I also have MRC tech 4 series model 260 this is a good powerful starter pack for a reasonable start up layout.
I still use a Control Master II made in the mid 1980's for my yard - never had a problem with it powering 3 to 5 N scale locs to this very day.

My layout is a L 10' one side, 12' the other with a width of 3'.

Take it Easy,

Mike

 

I forgot, I am sure someone will post how you should start out with DDC, & more or less I agree if that is possible, but as a single operator with a rather small layout and few blocks due to just using the Kato Unitrack I really enjoy my layout with DC. The cost is a factor, but I if I enjoyed model railroading I wouldn't go to long without switching to DDC, if that floats your boat .


As technology moves forth we will see vast improvements in DDC, however I have a large fleet of loco's many kitbashed that I can't do again and so they will remain DC, as likely my humble layout will.

I enjoy my one man operationn fine with DC, however I do agree if you add a lot of blocks, Wyes, reversals it will become where you are controlling the track more than the trains. Then it becomes a nightmare IMO.

Mike

 

I can't believe that I was saying DDC - its DCC - thats what writing with the flu will do to ya.

 

Starbuck,

While I'm into DCC now and therefore not up to date with the latest in DC, I suggest the following: Get one of the MRC Tech packs with a walkaround. Supplement that with two of the inexpensive MRC packs (about $30 MSRP?). At best, they'd be semi-movable--one would certainly be suitable for yard operations. As you get familiar with operations on your layout, you can always add a second walk-around.

If you are just starting out, without a large roster of engines, consider starting with DCC. My "old" layout filled an 11 x 19 room, and was a block-based DC scheme, with three MRC Tech IV walkarounds. I'm pretty sure that I spent as much on throttles, wire and DPDT control switches as if I had started with DCC. I don't advocate DCC--it just works for me.

 

Mike,

Just don't send the virus to me! My sympathies--I haven't had it for about seven years, but never want it again!

 

Guys- Try to stay off the crack pipe when answering easy questions about DC.

I have DC with power blocks and run 4 trains simultaneously. I have about 27 turnouts. I sometimes get confused, but that is probably from age.

I use 4 MDC 260's. They are currently about $49.00 each. You can get a lower number in the lower 200 series but make sure it has an overload light and a momentum feature.

It is not only feasable, but it is fun and really not that hard to keep track (so to speak).

 

Sorry to hear about the flu Mike, sounds like a good reason to stay home, run some trains and take it easy.

I like the idea of the walkaround and a couple of smaller packs. I can always upgrade after getting a feel for how things are running.

DCC would be nice but as of now I have quite a few locos and I think only a couple are decoder friendly.

Thanks for the feedback,
Jim

 

I like the MRC 2400s. They have an 'ON-OFF' pulse switch. I prefer to run most of my locomotives with the pulse 'OFF'.

The pulse on the 2500 is strong. It does have a brake and momentum.

The pulse on both the 2400 and the 2800 (the 2800 is a dual control pack) is more discreet.

It is difficult to do better than the MRC packs. MR panned the TECH-4s a while back. I have never used either TECH-3s or TECH-4s. THe TECH-2s have so far met my needs.

Bachpersonn did manufacture a SPECTRUM type pack for a while. I do not know if they still manufacture a pack or if it is (was) any good.

Whatever your choice, GET AWAY from the trainset packs as quickly as possible. They are useless for running trains. The variable DC on them is allright for the ATLAS turntable, the AC is allright for the accessories, but if you use them to run trains, you will get less-than-optimum performance from them.

That typed, I will never cease to be amazed at the number of people who will think nothing of shelling out one-hundred dollars ( or a figure close to that) for this-or-that locomotive but will balk at paying fifty bananas for a decent pack.