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 Posted - October 14 2006 : 11:44:08 PM
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Using the right power pack for your tyco or other manufacturer loco is very important. I recommend MRC brand for standard dc operators. The factory power pack that came with your train set or one you have purchased will not be able to match the performance of an MRC pack. Several reasons i recommend the mrc brand is- solid state circuitry-constant precision power at all speeds(most or all toy train packs can not do this especially running at a low speed)- indicator lights to inform you of a problem. Warranty. Also on the accessories side-there is no loss of power from the dc side when operating action accessories as is with your tyco pack or other conventional toy power pack. If you need a pack that monitors voltage and amp meters buit in Buy the MRC power 9500. This pack is great to use when operating tyco locomotives because if you are pulling more amps than voltage your motor is getting ready to burn up or you need to oil and lube it before you burn it up and you can visually see it by the gauge.Cheapest price on this one i have found is from trainland/trainworld in NYC. If you do not have a MRC pack-what are you waiting for? They have a power pack for every budget. Using a mrc pack and nickel silver track significantly improves operation of tyco locomotives. MRC is not paying me to say this-This is from my experience using their product.
Edited by - Brianstyco on October 22 2006 6:29:45 PM
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 Posted - October 15 2006 : 08:02:47 AM
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Brian,
I think thats very good advise. I noticed long ago that engines with only four wheel pick-up "sputtered" when running unless the track was perfectly clean and then that didn't always provide the best results.
I have one MRC 1400 and the other has a momentum function that is fun to use. Not to mention that the control knob allows for smooth operation. Most train set powerpacks are not smooth in operation and require two hands to use.
AF
Alco Fan
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jlong
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Posted - October 15 2006 : 10:28:55 AM
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I agree with Brian as I am using an MRC 280 dual pack. Because my Tycos don't coast very well I get better controlled stops. And yes, the filtered DC lengthens motor life. Set packs don't filter the DC. Acceleration and deceleration is jerky.
I am floor running at the moment with Life Like nickle silver power lock track. It's got superior electrical continuity at the joints and the joints are very strong for hanging the loop on the wall. The ties and roadbed are all grey plastic and it's got the ultimate "toy" look. I don't know what the switches are like yet. With N scale they are kind of sucky but that may not hold true with HO. If your trains are sitting in boxes awaiting a layout to be ran on, next to Kato Unitrack (which is more expensive) this Powerlock track is just the ticket for occasional floor running.
John Long
Edited by - jlong on October 15 2006 2:02:56 PM
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Posted - October 15 2006 : 8:34:28 PM
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Another option for track is a sheet of plywood or foam. My "layout" is nothing more then a pair of ovals tacked to a sheet of plywood. I put the layout on the dinningroom table to use. When done, the sheet is stood up against a wall in my hobby room. I don't have any roadbed or scenic stuff. I do have several buildings, but they are not glued down. This allows the kids to build a different town each time they play with my trains.
Michael
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Posted - October 15 2006 : 8:53:49 PM
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does this mean I need to get my grey Triang snap track off the carpet?
Also, do I need to replace my Leighton-Paige power transformer with separate speed control and auto reversing mechanism? It says it is equipped with anti-TV interference circuit. Will it blow up my Philco Predicta? Mom would have a fit and ground me. That would be bad--no Gunsmoke or Bonanza or Phil Silvers or Red Skelton or Captain Kangaroo. Jeepers!
MA
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Posted - October 15 2006 : 9:04:34 PM
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| Who is/was Phil Silvers? I recognize the other names, but only saw Captain Kangaroo! Don't feel bad, my power is provided by a pair of Model Power packs. Nothing fancy, but easy for the kids to use. I have an MRC 1400 that I use on my test track. I like it, but have not bought a second for the lay out.
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Posted - October 15 2006 : 9:24:51 PM
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Phil Silvers is a dead actor. Some nursing home residents (and other ancient denizens like me, apparently) might recall in occassional hazy dim moments of lucidity (I have them now and again) that he played a con-man-cum NCO named Sargeant Bilko.
Not that it is a critical matter. I'm more concerned about whether I need to duct tape the frayed fabric cord coming from my bakelite-cased transformer and if that smell is ever gonna come out of my collection of Model Trains magazines... after Lady had her litter on top of 'em...
MA
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Posted - October 17 2006 : 02:10:57 AM
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Agreed with John on the merits of PowerLock track - it's even more rigid when assembled than Bachmann's EasyTrack.
The big thing PowerLock has against it though, is availability. And holy moley the prices on special sections like crossovers and turnouts. Yikes!
I have a bit of the stuff from the Athearn sets that WalMart gave away for $25 after last xmas. Great for setting a circle on the floor "just because"!
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jlong
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Posted - October 17 2006 : 02:57:37 AM
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quote:| The big thing PowerLock has against it though, is availability. And holy moley the prices on special sections like crossovers and turnouts. Yikes! |
You are right on the prices. I doubt I'll go beyond a circle of this stuff. For a floor running loop, it's great stuff. If a guy's gonna spend money on roadbed track for a layout, Kato is the way to go I think as their switches are flawless.
John Long
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 Posted - October 17 2006 : 10:44:17 AM
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Hey MA...
Dont forget Amos & Andy...
"HOLY MACKEREL KINGFISH!!!" "Dat's right. Sapphire gonna kill us both now...we done went and bought all these pumpkins...and wouldn't ya know it...they done went and cancelled halloween!"
Edited by - theoldreliable on October 17 2006 10:45:02 AM
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Posted - October 17 2006 : 10:52:12 AM
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The MRC pack i am using is the new tech 4 260 model which puts out up to 23 volts filtered dc which will make any tyco loco sing down the rails as well as any other manufacturers loco
Edited by - Brianstyco on October 17 2006 10:52:56 AM
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Posted - October 17 2006 : 11:09:37 AM
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Brian:
OK, no more sabotage of your serious topical discussion (at least this topic, anyway.)
TheOldReliable:
(or is it TroublesomeOldRascal?)
"they dun went n' cancelled Hollowee'n here n' Magnolia cuz of fear that them Al-Kyta terrorists is gonna stage a hit'n'run attack on area hog farms wearing hockey masks and sportin' AKs under they robes..."
(No, really... my neighbors are such "sophisticates." Our first year here was highlighted by a visit from the Magnolia police chief, who had been asked by the town mayor to investigate charges of witchcraft against my wife. Seems neighbors had noted a "weird glow" coming from the library at all hours of the night (ie. after 8 p.m., when they officially roll up the sidewalks here). We showed him the Video Display Terminal for the PC and he went away, satisfied we weren't the spawn of Satan.)
So, they ewe go...
Regards the power discussion: I've used everything from new MRC to ancient Scintilla and other venerable wire-wound, bakelite encased boat anchors. I actually rather liked and still use Trollers.
MagAc
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jlong
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Posted - October 18 2006 : 07:48:46 AM
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Troller...another classic.
John Long
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Posted - October 18 2006 : 12:52:44 PM
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Yeah, Troller, another "classic." A mere 18Vdc (Momemtum Autopulse series), but still heavily-used and enjoyed by codgers nation-wide. Seriously, they're ABSOLUTE bricks, no heat-related issues, abuse-friendly and operationally at least as good as some of the last (former) generation of fine MRC products. Just can't justify constant replacement of power supply, I guess, so choose the "old reliables." I've noted they always sell without any hesitation at shows and on-line, so somebody else besides yours truly is still relying on 'em.
MagnoliaAcedemy
So MRC fans don't feel offended, allow me to add I employ a few MRC paks as well, particularly for G-scale operation. They are excellent products.
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jlong
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Posted - October 18 2006 : 8:07:39 PM
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I had to dig up my coveted June 1980 issue of Model Railroader (featuring a young Lorell Joiner on the cover). There is an ad for Troller where they claim to be the power source for the worlds longest HO train which was featured in the 1980 Guinness Book of World Records. According to the ad, the train was 501 cars long, weighed 14 lbs, and was powered by 11 locomotives. Drawing 5.5 amps at 10.5 volts it was powered by a single Troller TRA 1001 pack. The even took place at a Union, NJ model railroad club.
Remember PFM sounds?
John Long
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Posted - October 18 2006 : 8:22:16 PM
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John:
Re: Troller "world record" train--great factoid! Don't recall that issue, just all the Troller ads where quality control smashed the heck out of the power pack boxes then used the still-surviving internal components.
They were good critters in their era, without a doubt. As for Pacific Fast Mail sounds--would you like to buy a few dusty old boxes of the stuff? Yeah, I remember the investment in PFM sounds. Nice in its era, I guess, just looooong passed.
MagAc
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jlong
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Posted - October 18 2006 : 9:19:42 PM
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Mag, I'll pass on the PFM sound system as a Tyco BB chugger is more realistic sounding.
John Long
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Posted - October 18 2006 : 11:05:05 PM
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John:
re: PFM sounds vs. Tyco chugger...
Save some of the acerbic humor for me. I'm one of the goofs who spent a young fortune on the crap when it was new.
Guess if I had been of age in the early sixties I'm the sort of guineau/geek they'd have talked into buying the ASTRAC system as well.
Oh, well, the PFM sounds probably has some salvage merit as garden ornamentation.
MagAc
ps: you may be right on the money about the aural fidelity of the Tyco BB chugger car being of a higher quality.
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Posted - October 18 2006 : 11:37:38 PM
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Aww man, you guys just ruined it for me! ;) I remember reading MR back issues as a kid, always seeming to hear about this mystical PFM system. Guess I can quit dreamin', huh?
I'll tell you what: in all seriousness, after hearing the sounds from my PCM Chessie Reading T1... the Tyco Electronic Sound 'o Steamer is all the more impressive (especially for being, like, 20+ years early)
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Posted - October 19 2006 : 2:00:28 PM
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Circlez:
PFM sounds and ASTRAC cab control from a generation earlier are perfectly analogous insofar as they represent attempts to push the technology envelope, perhaps a bit beyond the scope of proficiency required to make them a complete success. I'd liken them to front-wheel drive in the twenties and thirties or, perhaps, early digital recording technology. The expenditure was rather great, committing operators to technology that experienced a subsequent stasis borne of just not selling in sufficient quantity to justify upgrades.
It is not bad, it is just too much too soon. Oh well, their marketplace failure is the collectors' cue. I've seen ASTRAC and PFM sounds stuff go for pennies a pound at shows because nobody knows what it is anymore.
Speaking of which, do any of you fellows aggressively collect the old Little Trains, Tyco, or Tyco-distributed master-paks or control packs (generally by Scintilla or Leighton Paige)? Just curious to know if anyone else bothers.
MagnoliaAcademy
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jlong
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Posted - October 19 2006 : 6:47:36 PM
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My belief is PFM sounds and astrac were the pioneers of the sound and command control systems used by model railroaders today.
Personally I prefer to make train sounds with my mouth.
John Long
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Posted - October 19 2006 : 8:01:16 PM
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John:
My best train sounds come from other parts of my body...
ASTRACin' in Magnolia
MA
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Posted - October 19 2006 : 11:00:58 PM
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| MagAc - That's OK... as long as it's all sound and not "smoke"...
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Posted - October 19 2006 : 11:25:07 PM
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Circlez:
I had the erecting shop solve the smoke problem by installing elephant ear deflectors on either side of my dungarees, er, I meant "boiler."
Magnasty Academy
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jlong
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Posted - October 21 2006 : 7:48:03 PM
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quote:John:
My best train sounds come from other parts of my body...
ASTRACin' in Magnolia
MA
Originally posted by MagnoliaAcademy - October 20 2006 : 12:01:16 AM
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Agreed. These are my recipies.
Mc Donalds chocolate shake - Alco start up sounds.
Hormel beanless chili - Alco power up on grades sounds
Campbells bean and bacon soup - EMD 567 with worn piston rings
Red Robin Margarita - 2nd generation EMD tubro charger
John Long
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Posted - October 21 2006 : 9:20:41 PM
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John:
Nice recipes! Didn't realize you had such a sophisticated palate: can you suggest a prolonged UP drag on the Tehatchapi Loop-enhancing menu?
MagAstracademy
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