I am about to get a German locomotive as a gift from my wife and I was wondering since Germany runs on 220 how would this loco perform here in the USA. Has anyone been in this type of situation? I do not know if model trains in Germany are run with a trasformer like we do here in the USA or if it is straight 220...If I am unable to run it on 110v then I 'll be happy to display it in my home office. This is an N-Scale locomotive. Thanks for the help! Rob [ 26 September 2001: Message edited by: ROMAFERN ]</p>
Rob, The loco will run on 0-12 volts D.C. just like all the rest of your fleet. Your power pack will be totally unaware of the country of origin. Enjoy. Paul
Rob, what make is the locomotive? All model trains over here run on 12V DC just like the US ones, with the exception of Marklin, which use AC motors and stud contact, therefore they are not compatible with regular trains. Other makes like Roco or Fleischmann would be fine.
I have over 40 different Fleischman, Arnold, Rocco, Minitrix , Hobbytrain and Eurotrain locomotives. All European N scale runs fine here in the US. The locomotives require 0-12VDC. The Trafo in Germany output 0-12VDC in most of the start sets. You will have to pick up a new power pack for north American 115VAC. The 220 VAC wont work. German plugs are the round pins while in the Americas you have the metal spades for the power cord. An inexpensive MRC, Atlas or Bachman power pack will work fine. Continental European DCC is very fragmented. Each manufacturer tended to make his own standard. FMZ-Fleischman, Selectrix-Minitrix, Marklin, and Arnold. The Arnold is based on the Lenz system which is compatible to the systems sold in North America (Digitrax, Lenz, North Coast, Wangrow, Atlas, MRC etc.) If you want DCC then stick to a NMRA compliant type of decoder such as Lenz, Arnold or Zimo (European manufacturers). Digitrax Chief system can address the Marklin format decoders (HO locos- Motorola trinary format). There is a unit called Intellibox sold in Europe that has the multiformat comand station which can read and run other formats. However, it is expensive here in the US and not very well supported. The NMRA compliant decoders have an analog mode which allows you to run a dcc locomotive on straight dc. I do not know if the FMZ or Selectrix systems allow for that. Maybe some of our European friends out on the list can comment on that. The Atlas DCC system is a repackaged Lenz compact. The unit puts out too much voltage for N-scale, 18 volts. The Ideal is 0-12vac. And is not recommended for n scale since it will burn off excess volts as heat in the decoders. The MRC DCC sets and decoders are obsolete technically and should be avoided, however, if you have limited funds this may be the way to go (28 speed steps, limited functions). Hope this clarifies things and does not confuse the issue.
Thanks for the replies guys! All I know is that all the cars my wife has bought are TRIX with the exception of one. I would guess that this is the loco. I told her specifically that it has to be N scale so I do not believe is a Marklin which I been told is HO. I will try to get more info and let you guys know. Rob
Ok guys, the locomotive is a TRIX. Do any of you own any Trix locos? If you have the manufacturer's web site it will be helpful! What kind of decoders are you using? Thanks! Rob
Thanks for the help guys! I have found a distributor that specializes in European imports (Reynaulds.com) Take care! Robert
I looked at the Euro Importer site you listed and the little Roco steamers are very cool (and affordable!). I was trying to find info on the Kato BR86 loco, my favorite (and $95!!), but they appear to be sold out everywhere I really like the engines with 10 drive wheels, but I doubt they would being to negotiate 9 3/4 inch turns. http://www.katousa.com/html/br86.htm The steamers listed here are neat as well : http://www.trixtrains.com/mini01a.html [ 08 October 2001: Message edited by: sd9043mac ]</p>
Have you tried buying it overseas? The loco my wife gave me was lot cheaper than on the website I mention. I will try to find the receipt, the shop in Germany has a site and my wife tells me they were very helpful. Robert
See if the loco uses a split coupler "pocket". On my Kato C57 the 1129 MT10 couplers for spilt coupler pockets (atlas cars, etc) worked perfectly. It appears that a few use the split fram pockets. I am "new" to N scale, just got into it again, but with more studying and reasearch this time. The C57 looks really neat and has an extremely detailed body.
SD90, you have lost me with the split pocket option I only know when a stock splits , but as far as couplers you have lost me I am new to the train lingo, but if you provide me a pic of what you are talking about, I may be able to connect the dots...
If you like these, you might also like the Fleischmann. They look very similar, and as far as i am concerned, have a very good reputation for quality work. Of course, me working in HO I only have experience with their HO equiptment, but it might be worth a shot. I can usually find good and very inexpensive Fleischmann on Ebay. As well as all other types makes models of trains as well. I have No clue about DCC yet, perhaps I should find a good read on it, study it for a while... Good luck.
The best way to describe is it to take a look at some Atlas cars. Look at how the rapido coupler sits in between the one piece coupler holder. If you look at the package of Micro-trains 1129 "universal kit" you will see what I am talking about. N scale supply has a nice selection of MT trucks and couplers as well as Atlas trucks. Look at the photos with rapido coupler, you will see the split frame I am reffering to.
