Looking for a cheap way to power DC starter set.

C

CoggesRailway

Registered
I'm getting my friend sorted with a railway - not a boxed starter set, more of my left overs! Anyone have a transformer (preferably not less than a couple of amps) or suggestions that cost minimal £? I am providing track and an USA NW2 or similar to get him going.
 
dragon said:
Rhinochugger said:
I think USAT motors usually draw more than 1 amp :thinking:
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Isn't it nought to five amp?
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Yes it is Fred, not 1/2 an amp as Ian may have read it?

Chuggy should have gone to Specsavers.... :nerd:
 
That looks very interesting especially for the money - does anyone have personal experience of using this?
 
ceejaydee said:
That looks very interesting especially for the money - does anyone have personal experience of using this?
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Not personally, but I know several forum members who have them?

They use 2 of them on the CFR at Rothley....
 
They are good when they work. Mine was DOA & it took Maplin's several weeks to get around to test it before they would replace it.
 
Depends on the load and the line.. I think the NW2's are rated at more than 2amp max, but I've run one for hours with a light load (three bogie coaches, say 2 and a bit kg) on R1 curves, but no serious gradients, using both the Piko start set controller (28VA I think) and also a basic gaugemaster 00 unit, 12v only, 18VA (ie 1.5a max). The OO controller did limit absolute top speed, but the loco could still go fast enough to derail on R1's.
The gaugemaster lumps would be my choice, cheap and plentiful secondhand, self reseting current overload, and lifetime warranty IIRC. And you can nick one off the O/OO/N setup for half an hour to test the idea out first.
But, as I said, my NW2 was running a light load - if the newbie's line has meaningful gradients and long trains, 1.5amps might not be enough.
J.
 
The real prob is getting enough amps at up to 20v.
The maplins one seems to fit the bill as long as it is reliable. Looking at the price it does make the Aristocraft Elite or the newer Everest power supplies (triple voltage and up to 13/15 amp at 23V) seem pretty good value as long as you have a controller for them.
I have a 'spare' ELITE that I keep just in case of problems with my prime one. They are definitely built to last as I have been able to run three TE receivers off the unit with plenty of power hungry locos, long consists, heavy gradients, lights and smoke units going on the three sections of the layout. Not even a murmer or build uop of heat on the Elite. So the 'spare' has not had to be used ...yet!
But they are obviously not a 'cheap' solution but maybe the last one you will ever need!
 
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