Controller?

[emjaybee]

A comment on a previous thread made me sit up and take notice.

I'm currently planning (we all know how long that takes) a 3'x5'6" roundy-roundy. In the mean time I've built a oval test track so that I can run in locos and generally play assess trains. I am currently using my venerable H&M Clipper for this track. I realise that forum members are recoiling in horror, but hey-ho. I'm assuming it's not going to cause any problems while I'm running in and so on. I'm also aware that when I finally get my Uhlenbrock DCC sorted and start chipping locos, the H&M and chipped locos should never meet.

My question is this: The H&M is the size of a breeze block, cumbersome and heavy. Can anyone suggest a reliable, reasonably priced, smaller, lighter replacement for my test track controller?

Ta.

[jpendle]

I bought a cheap Controller from my local shop here in the US.
Its fine for running in.
I would suggest looking for a DC controller that's been split from a train set.

Regards,

John P

[Big bad John]

How about the one from the Arnold set on eBay 

[emjaybee]

How about the one from the Arnold set on eBay 

I'd actually written the post before I bought the set, but I'd like to get a reasonable independantly produced controller.

[Big bad John]

Actually joking aside I use one from a Farish set for running in on DC and it does the job quite well. Should be able to pick one up fairly cheap split from a set.

[Newportnobby]

The one Farish supply with there sets is very good Bachmann - 36560 (and cheap approx. £25). I use this to run in all my locos before chipping them.

Exactly what I'm using in my 'Kato experiment'. I had one from the Master Cutler Farish set and although they are totally no frills, they are actually quite good.

[Dorsetmike]

I use the older Farish AGW controllers, often find them on Ebay, only one at the moment and a bit dearer than usual at £25.99, £10 - £15 is more usual, there are also Dual controllers and some just branded AGW, all seem to have the same innards and slow running control is very good.

[ntpntpntp]

...The H&M is the size of a breeze block, cumbersome and heavy. Can anyone suggest a reliable, reasonably priced, smaller, lighter replacement for my test track controller?

I actually like the sturdiness of the old H&M controllers.  I still use the shells and transformer of my old H&M Clipper and add-on unit, but with the resistance mats replaced with Gaugemaster 100 panel mount controllers.     Not for my primary layout controllers (I have  KPC controllers for that), but as a back-up set and also for driving test tracks etc.

[emjaybee]

Thanks for all the input chaps. Just ordered a Bachmann controller from Sawyer models, split from a OO set (don't worry, I'll sterilise it first), for the princely sum on £20 + £4 postage.

I'll keep the H & M Clipper, it'll help to stop the door banging.

[Izzy]

 The only slight issue I have with the Bachmann controllers is that they have no overload/short-circuit indication via either noise or LED to show there is a problem when one occurs. This I feel would be of benefit especially when a newly acquired loco is being tested/run-in.

Izzy

[guest6107]

Something I have to think about. I need an oval of track to test run locomotives. I was thinking of the Kato M1 set that comes with a controller. 

[Waz]

Absolutely nothing wrong with the the kato set the controller is actually rather nice and the track is perfect to taking up and putting down as a test loop on a table

[silly moo]

Another vote for the basic controller that comes with Bachman/Farish sets, I've found it very good for the newer (and older models) they are usually to be found on eBay.

[Railwaygun]

Absolutely nothing wrong with the the kato set the controller is actually rather nice and the track is perfect to taking up and putting down as a test loop on a table

It also has overload protection and a power light, and excellent resale value!

[dude2112]

Am currently using two Kato controllers running four ovals. One came with M1 and the other M2 sets.

Bought these starter sets to get me going. Now boards are 8ft by 4ft but will extend when funds allow 

Am using the extension connectors provided by Kato. No issues so far. 

Andy.