Stick with Kato Controller or go with a Gaugemaster?

[JR]

Hello,

Well I've started building the layout. Well the track is down and running nicely. I am using two Kato controllers at the moment. But would there be any benefit of getting a Gaugemaster or a Morley controller over the standard Kato?  I know I will have to keep one Kato controller for my points. I have decided I am going to stay analogue DC rather than go to DCC.

Thanks,

JR. 

[Ian Bowden]

Kato is a well made controller. Unless you want to introduce additional control features I would stick. I use one for DC testing of locos prior to DCC installation.

[Newportnobby]

I don't know enough to comment on the Kato controller, Mr. Ewing.
However, I do have a cased Gaugemaster twin track controller for my layout 'Bletchford' and a Morley Vortrack for my big layout 'Kimbolted'.
The Morley has a built in Capacitor Discharge Unit which will help avoid point motor burnout but it's only guaranteed for 5 years and is well past that. The Gaugemaster is guaranteed for life but I'm not sure if that's my life or the controller's
The Morley comes with a handheld unit (twin track) and 2 handhelds with the 4 track version. These I do find extremely useful.

[Karhedron]

Whilst I like Gaugemaster and use one myself, I would not worry replacing a piece of equipment that is working satisfactorily. If your layout runs nicely with a Kato controller, I would stick with it.

[Gordon]

I am a big fan of the Kato controller. I like the 'tramway controller' style speed handle and the rugged (human hand sized) size of the forward / reverse / brake (ie dead stop) switch, making it easy to switch direction and apply the panic 'button'.

Nevertheless, as the jack leads to the power source are similar style I have some Gaugemaster Combis that I also use in the same location as the Kato  if the controller in question is not connected to any Kato switches.




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[Byegad]

I have both running my new layout Sunnisyde, plus an HM running off the fixed 12v output on one side of the Gaugemaster DS duette. The Kato seems to be a great controller, but the simulated inertia on the GM DS is wonderful.

JR, I'd not chuck the Kato unless you really have to have inertia simulation as with a slow hand you can get the same effect.

[Newportnobby]

The Kato seems to be a great controller, but the simulated inertia on the GM DS is wonderful.

I have to say I find the inertia thingy on the Gaugemaster to be very gimmicky and never use it as I just find the trains stop where they want and not where I want
It's OK on starting off but, as you say, a slow hand on any decent controller will do the same job.

[daffy]

It's OK on starting off but, as you say, a slow hand on any decent controller will do the same job.

For some reason I now have the Pointer Sisters singing in my head, albeit with a slightly modified lyric:

I want a loco with a slow hand
I want a driver with an easy touch.....


Thanks guys  :no:Darned tune will be with me all the darned day!

[RailGooner]

.. But would there be any benefit of getting a Gaugemaster or a Morley controller over the standard Kato? ...

Stick with your Kato controller @JR. To paraphrase @Karhedron: if it ain't broke, dont fix it!

I have a large double track oval of Kato Unitrack (V11) with a few switches, including a Double Crossover (20-210). I run it from a single Kato controller which came with the V11 set. I only use this for running in and testing so I don't need two live tracks.

I know I will have to keep one Kato controller for my points. ...

Not if you don't want to. You can use the tech/mech/brand of your choice to control the switches. But it is simpler by design to control Kato track, switches and crossings using a Kato controller.

I'd spend my money on stock, track, and scenics. I'd only spend my money on a new controller, if I HAD TO in order to gain a feature/function that the Kato can't deliver. I'd be miffed if by that time, I'd already replaced my Kato with a controller which also didn't have that must have feature/function!

[keithfre]

I have to say I find the inertia thingy on the Gaugemaster to be very gimmicky and never use it as I just find the trains stop where they want and not where I want
It's OK on starting off but, as you say, a slow hand on any decent controller will do the same job.

To me the point of inertia is to simulate driving a steam engine with a regulator and brake.

[Byegad]

@keithfre I find the same but a judicious use of the brake dial can see a train coast into a station and stop just where I want it far smoother than with a controller without inertia. I've had my Gaugemaster for longer than I care to remember and I have to learn a new loco's behaviour before I get it right.

[Newportnobby]

Patience was never one of my virtues (that's if I have any at all).
I guess one man's meat is another man's poison and other such trite sayings.

[dude2112]

As a returny i love the Kato track system.
My biggest issue last time was the looseness of the Peco fishplates/rail joiners.

I borrowed some peco track from my dealer whilst waiting for my Kato M2 track to arrive..... it still has the same issues 

I have always loved and wanted working points on my layouts but am too bone idle to do it. I am capable by the way......... So Anyway
The fact you get working points and even better, levers to move is for me perfect....

Andy.

[ModN Dom]

Hi JR
I bought my Kato layout piecemeal but kept my D Twin Track Gaugemaster controller (DC) for my double track layout. I expect the Kato controller is very good but as my original worked very well with an adapter I saw no point replacing it. So I purchased one Kato DC converter 24-842 adapter which if wired into the controller accessories terminals and placed first in line in parallel with the point motors and signalling units will protect all the subsequent Kato electrics points. The power to the track is direct to the controller, having cut off the plastic Kato connectors. I have a single alpinesque elevated track above the twin track and that works off a Combi. My exploration into Kato revealed that their system is fully compatible with other control systems but that with their connectors fitted to all the wiring, life is easier with their controller. I really love the Kato track having endured Peco settrack and flexitrack and all that confounding ballasting. For modern layouts the banked shoulders is absolutely perfect for today's railways.

Hope this helps

Dom

[daffy]

My M2 Kato set arrived today from Hattons giving me my second Kato controller to run two trains as I have decided not to take the digital route. I too like the simplicity of the track and turnouts system and will now experiment with layout problems, such as where to place terminal connectors, insulated connectors and such.

I am not a natural electrician so the plug-n-go simplicity of the Kato system is ideal for me as a beginner. Maybe when I have a few years experience I might move on to more complex arrangements, but for now I'm more than happy.

As for the pre-ballasted track, I have already noted that for the Swiss alpine layout I am planning it is admirably suitable for some stretches, and its height can easily be reduced in others by the simple expedient of using cork chambered underlay laid either side. I do however think it is a little too stark and plastic in appearance and will benefit from a little ballast and track colour to naturalise it.