PeteA Posted October 27, 2019 Share Posted October 27, 2019 Hi, new lad here and could do with some advice.Want to resurrect old hornby train set from 40+ years ago purely for grandsons, but old R900 Controller no longer works. I have a really good number of old steam and electric locomotives and rolling stock from that era plus also the (steel?) track.I'm guessing I need to use one of the old-style DC controllers for single locomotive control?Are there any new / second-hand DC Controllers that you would recommend as a better bet than the R900 I previously had? Also, any pitfalls to look out for if buying second-hand?I'm just really looking to get trains running again rather than a sophisticated layout.Thanks, Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atom3624 Posted October 27, 2019 Share Posted October 27, 2019 Hi Pete, Welcome to the forum. I presume you're looking at straight DC control? Modern locomotives generally use less current than older ones, so most built-for-manufacturer controllers, particularly basic 'train set' modern ones will not power your older locomotives, or not for long - they'll cut out. There are some better controllers, with more power, and others will recommend various makes.The default 'better' DC transformer / controller is the Hornby / H&M HM2000. Otherwise, look at Gaugemaster - they have an excellent range of DC and DCC controllers. Others hugely more experienced than I am will advise in due course. Al. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJ73 Posted October 28, 2019 Share Posted October 28, 2019 Hiya Yeah I second what Atom says :- The default 'better' DC transformer / controller is the Hornby / H&M HM2000.or even if you can get your hands on a H&M Duette/media/tinymce_upload/51d4b6a9f3f917a5ea771e8520ae54bb.jpgThe HM2000/media/tinymce_upload/f81757f27dd85ae6c04ed0c6edb71598.jpgThe HM Duette - both good Controllers but I preferr the Duette!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeteA Posted October 28, 2019 Author Share Posted October 28, 2019 Hi Pete, Welcome to the forum. I presume you're looking at straight DC control? Modern locomotives generally use less current than older ones, so most built-for-manufacturer controllers, particularly basic 'train set' modern ones will not power your older locomotives, or not for long - they'll cut out. There are some better controllers, with more power, and others will recommend various makes.The default 'better' DC transformer / controller is the Hornby / H&M HM2000. Otherwise, look at Gaugemaster - they have an excellent range of DC and DCC controllers. Others hugely more experienced than I am will advise in due course. Al.Hi Al, thanks for the info, already looking at what's available from your recommendations. Much appreciated Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96RAF Posted October 28, 2019 Share Posted October 28, 2019 As this is a Hornby forum the rules state we are only allowed to endorse Hornby products, but apart from the capable HM2000 controller the other Hornby analogue controllers are basically only fit for purpose of running a small out of the box train set, not a decent DC layout, so we cut a bit of slack when folk recommend other make DC controllers such as the decent GM range, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walkingthedog Posted October 28, 2019 Share Posted October 28, 2019 I thought we are allowed to endorse products that Hornby don't produce. e.g. N gauge track, working semaphore signals, decent range of DC controllers etc. 😆 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96RAF Posted October 28, 2019 Share Posted October 28, 2019 I thought we are allowed to endorse products that Hornby don't produce. e.g. N gauge track, working semaphore signals, decent range of DC controllers etc. 😆 Yes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2e0dtoeric Posted October 28, 2019 Share Posted October 28, 2019 The o/p included the comment - plus also the (steel?) track.That could be some of the problem! Steel track corrodes, and maybe the fishplates are equally poor, so no power will be getting to the track anyway.Try a simple length of new nickel-silver track, and see if anything moves then.Be wary that if the loco's and stock are as old as you say - 40+ years - the wheels will be the old coarse ones, and the flanges are a lot bigger, and may 'bump' over the plastic mouldings of the modern track.I assume you have stripped down, cleaned, and lubricated all the motors and gears? Old oil and grease can set like concrete!Also - the motors are probably Ringfields, and the magnets may have faded. They can be revived - at a cost - there are many threads on this around this forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordonvale Posted October 29, 2019 Share Posted October 29, 2019 I use a desktop lab supply, with enough amps for the job. 60 amps in my case./media/tinymce_upload/cfb0300b20fcf6282c0c94c1fcb73cca.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96RAF Posted October 29, 2019 Share Posted October 29, 2019 That rig should keep the train room nice and warm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordonvale Posted October 29, 2019 Share Posted October 29, 2019 That rig should keep the train room nice and warm.It's always nice and warm in the tropics!The 60 amp rated power supply barely breaks a sweat powering 25 circuits on the layout and 3 circuits on the "test bed & maintenance depot" board. Plus a shed load of LEDs.The four 5W rated resistors in series give 20W "short circuit protection" and remain at room temperature under normal "training", typically 3W. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96RAF Posted October 30, 2019 Share Posted October 30, 2019 Thanks for the additional info Gordon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now