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.
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
How about the one from the Arnold set on eBay :D
Quote from: Big bad John on May 16, 2017, 11:34:58 PM
How about the one from the Arnold set on eBay :D
I'd actually written the post
before I bought the set, but I'd like to get a reasonable independantly produced controller.
;)
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.
Quote from: escafeld on May 16, 2017, 11:45:15 PM
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.
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.
Quote from: emjaybee on May 16, 2017, 10:50:32 PM
...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.
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.
;D
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
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.
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
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.
Quote from: Waz on May 19, 2017, 02:15:54 PM
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!
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 :angel:
Am using the extension connectors provided by Kato. No issues so far. :NGaugersRule:
Andy.
Update on situation...
...Bachman controller arrived, connected to test track...
..."new" (to me) Jubilee "Hong Kong" arrived and plonked on test track.
Controller is smooth and gives pretty good low speed controller and the new loco...
...smooooooooooth runner!
I don't know wether it has a good running in session by the previous owner, but of the six Jubilees I have, two of which are brand new to me, two of which are second-hand but only test run, one which is a little grubby and well run in, and this one which looks like it's never been used, this one is head and shoulders above the rest. The only gripe is that the original name plates have been lost, with the seler including some Lychett replacement plates. I've not seen Lychett plates before, but they are a very poor second place behind the Fox Transfer plates I've previously had, you can't read the name on the Lychett plates at all.
So to summarise, £24.00 including P&P for a "split from set" controller, and £64 including P&P from FleaBay for the Jubilee, me is a happy-chappy.
:laugh2:
Quote from: emjaybee on May 29, 2017, 02:49:15 PM
So to summarise, £24.00 including P&P for a "split from set" controller, and £64 including P&P from FleaBay for the Jubilee, me is a happy-chappy.
I'm not surprised, and am very glad you're pleased with your purchases.
Quote from: newportnobby on May 29, 2017, 03:43:38 PM
Quote from: emjaybee on May 29, 2017, 02:49:15 PM
So to summarise, £24.00 including P&P for a "split from set" controller, and £64 including P&P from FleaBay for the Jubilee, me is a happy-chappy.
I'm not surprised, and am very glad you're pleased with your purchases.
Thanks to everyone who gave advice on controllers. Much appreciated.
:thumbsup: