Electric power

[keithp1707821843]

Hello

I am almost ready to start running trains on a new - complete beginer layout. One question - my set is from the late 1990's, and is non-digital! SO can I use this power unit to run modern non-degital trains? Also the new power controller for non-digital, will it work with old trains from the 1990's?

Keith

[LCDR]

The problem with power really affects trains made before 1970 when motors needed a greater current than those made nowadays. Present day controllers that come with train sets put out much less current than those made before, so they will trip because the thermal cut out gets too warm trying to catch up.

 

It is however perfectly safe to use modern trains on older controllers provided that these are still in good working order. Always get the insulation of older controllers (20+ years old or greater) checked by a professional electrician. 

 

There are modern controllers that will cope with the power demand of older mechanisms, but these tend to be more expensive than the cheap ones in sets. Names to consider include Hamment & Morgan, Gaugemaster, Morley, etc. 

 

Provided your 1990 stuff is still in good condition (and you should make sure the insulation is still OK) you should be able to use it with modern trains. 

[Flashbang]

Hi

LC&DR has covered most and has offered some very sound advice especially where mains powered controllers are used. But it would be helpful if you could supply the Rxxx number of the controller.

Many of the Hornby Train set controllers struggle with older locos, as these 'old timers' draw more current (power) than modern loco motors do.  The controllers overload cut out frequently tripping is a sure sign of this. 

Older controllers will normally work modern locos and all those currently produced by Hornby should be fine. Some other makes of loco use motors that do not like resistance controllers such as the original H& M Duette / Clipper etc. Note the name H & M was taken over by Hornby some years ago and the current HM 2000 is not a resistance controller.  

[keithp1707821843]

Ok thanks.

It was the Christmas Special set. Not sure where I find the controller number?

Keith

[Chrissaf]

R8250 looks like this.

/media/tinymce_upload/bb1bb90c6e1ae44797fdb4b431543d6e.jpg

 

R965 looks like this.

/media/tinymce_upload/5dede513c2459493ff2050593eacbfe9.jpg

 

These two controllers are the most common DC Analogue set controllers. In terms of power output, the R965 is the better of the two because it is older and was made for the older more current hungry locos.

[keithp1707821843]

Ok it is the second one - the R965.

So if I bought a new locomotive, say a similar model - 040 type, it would run fine with my controller?

Keith

[Chrissaf]

More likely to run on the R965 than the R8250.

.

The R965 controller is reviewed technically here and gets a good 'thumbs up' from the reviewer. Scroll halfway down the page for the R965. The R8250 does not get a good review at the very bottom of the page.

.

http://www.scottpages.net/ReviewOfControllers.html

 

[keithp1707821843]

Ok thats good to hear.

Thanks

Keith

[2e0dtoeric]

Both have the same output VOLTAGE, but the 965 has more AMPS - (more power).

Too much power won't hurt an electric motor, they all take as much as they need, as long as the volts are right.

[JJ73]

/media/tinymce_upload/632a3b27e26ea72c7484cc2c05576ce5.jpg  /media/tinymce_upload/cb4554ee86f431c254ccc7debd0e1ecf.jpg

The H & M Duette is really                    The H & M 2000 is good just for

good 1 to use because you can            Normal use!!!

control / fine tune the speed

better with the Wave Switch

& the Resistance Switch!!!