Hornby Dublo three rail

[ColinB]

I don't know what an A2 controller is, but if I remember back to my youth, Hornby Dublo used to have screw terminals on the transformer and a length of track with screw terminals on. So you can use basically any wire that fits, so thin mains wire, bell wire etc.

[Chrissaf]

The current forum BUG prevents me posting a photo, but from my Google research the Hornby Dublo A2 controller appears to be a completely self contained controller with a mains voltage input. Thus no external transformer or additional power pack should be needed. The case seems to be made of sheet steel, therefore with a mains input and its age taken into consideration the controller needs to be certified safe by a professional.

[5Dublo2]

I used to have an A1 and a C3 controller which are a similar era to the A2

 

I am not sure if the A2 had screw terminals or sprung slots that accepted a form of spade connector similar to what you sometimes find in car wiring

 

If screw terminals then just use any suitable wires on them, just tighten the screws over the wires

 

If spade connectors then I have a feeling the Hornby Dublo 'spades' might have been slightly longer than the modern car ones.  I would suggest try a car one to see if it both fits in the sprung slot and stays inserted. If it does not stay in you might need to somehow make up a sligthly longer blade and solder wire onto the ends.

 

Note the original hornby Dublo 'spade' connectors did feature a wire retaining (rolled over) end and a small bolt securing the wire as they expected you to need to put longer wires onto the spades so made them removable.

 

As others have said get the unit mains tested for safety

 

[VESPA]

The A3 controller had spade connectors set out as  controlled 12v, uncontrolled 12v and uncontrolled 15vac. You may be better trying to find a good tested H&M Duette. from memory the A2 had controlled 12v DC and uncontrolled 15vAC

[Yelrow]

Addicted, hi, my advice, dump it, as vespa said H&M Duette, or Clipper. Both these will have the power to run Hornby Dublo.  I have both and run a 3 rail layout, with them. Cheap as chips on ebay. Make sure its a tested one.

[Addicted]

Hi All,

 

Thanks everyone for your advice and help in clearing up those issues.

 

I will look into the other controllers mentioned as my Grandson will be using the layout to.

Thanks again, and I'm sure we will have more questions as we progress with the layout.

[LCDR]

Depending upon how seriously you wish to become involved in Hornby Dublo three rail you may like to consider membership of the Hornby Railways Collector's Association, which caters for enthusiasts who collect and operate Hornby Dublo, and Hornby Series Gauge O tinplate. These products were made by Meccano Ltd, from 1920 until 1964. The company went out of business in 1964 but the name was adopted by Rovex (Triang Railways) and has eventually become Hornby Railways.

 

The HRCA provides services for their members including a comprehensive Spares and Repairs directory which links to many people who can provide original and reproduction spare parts and specialist repairers. They also publish an excellent  glossy colour magazine ten times a year, with articles of interest, advertisements and details of exhibitions.They also organise auctions of pre-owned Hornby products.

 

Enjoy your Hornby Dublo, it is a great system, and ideal for peoole who want robust and reliable model railways.

[Addicted]

LC&DR

 

Thank you for the links and info, we both like the three rail system but are looking to keep it simple for our first layout.

[Addicted]

Hi All,

I wonder if any one can help with some questions regarding a basic three rail set that I would like to set up with my Grandson.

It has an A2 controller that has been checked and appears all good but the wires to connect from controller to track are missing. Can these be made up or are they still available to buy? Also is the controller used on its own ( please excuse my ignorance) or does it need a transformer added to it?

 

We are both new to this so any help greatly appreciated, we both can't wait to get this up and running.

 

 

 

 

 

[Addicted]

Hi All, 

 

What's the best way to clean the rails on three rail track without causing any damage?

The track isn't attached to a board as yet, but we are getting close to that point, is there any thing we should be checking or doing before fixing it down? 

The layout we have gone for is from a Hornby plan, it's an oval with one siding.

Any help greatly appreciated as my Grandson and myself are  new to the hobby.

[ColinB]

I would use a Peco track cleaner, it works really well. You don't want anything too abrasive as it will remove the plating on the rail.

[GWR 14xx Tank]

I second using the PECO track rubber, it works really well, and isn't overly abrasive, so the coating on any types of rails shouldn't be worn too much by it.

 

If rubbing the rails down indoors, you might want to do it on some sort of dust sheet, as a lot of abrasive dust ends up all around where you have been rubbing the rails.

 

I haven't tried rubbing down three rail track - I don't use three rail - but I assume like all older makes of track it is made of steel. I have however rubbed down Lima Steel Track to use it on my servicing bench, so I presume three rail it isn't too much different from steel track types.

 

 

[Yelrow]

Addicted, hi, i run 3 rail dublo, daily.. The first thing to say, is that the current pick up is different to 2 rail, using the middle and one side of the other 2 rails, as opposed to 2 rail. So, the middle rail, where the shoe, picks up, needs attention. When 3 rail was invented, peco track rubbers, did not exist, so , i have 2 suggestions,  Firstly, the back of a piece of Hardboard, (the rough side). Secondly, nip into your wifes kitchen and look for a  green rectangular pot scourer.  Jiffy pad, or similar, not Metal, the plastic, looking one. They come in Green or Brown. These are perfect.  The far more efficient way, the track joins, makes, the actual connections, brilliant. You can, carefully, replace any bad fishplates, by bending the tag, and pulling them out. Replace with ones from any track, you are not going to use.. You need to also, rub the loco, pickups, if dull, but only with what i have suggested. New pickups are available, if need be. If locos, do not perform, well, let me know, and i can tell you how to service them. Remember, the current draw, is much higher than 2 rail locos, as they are heavier, and need more grunt to start off... Let us know how you go. There are 3/4 of us on here, who are 3 rail specialists. I have run mine for 49 years..

[Addicted]

Hi All, 

Thanks everyone. 

I have given the track a go over with a pot scourer and it's come up like new, clean and smooth.

The connections all seen good, but it's not had a loco over it as yet so we will have to wait and see how good it really is.

I will let you know how we progress Yelrow and thanks for the offer of help.

[Addicted]

Hi All, 

 

Would just like to say Thank you to every one who helped with their feedback to my three rail questions.

Thanks to your help I finally have a running layout.....can't stop grinning.

[GWR 14xx Tank]

Glad to hear that you got it working again!  😎