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AC or DC


john2003

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Welcome to the forum John.

 

The old Hornby Dublo electric points and  electric signals do require a separate uncontrolled 15v AC supply to operate them. That is sometimes provided on your transformer/controller in addition to the DC output for your trains. Have a look and don't hesitate to come back if you cannot resolve this matter.

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Yes my controller does have an AC output. I had connected this to the mail bag system and it seemed to mess up the train operation. I thought that as the mail car picked up the neutal from the rail that this was maybe the problem. Perhaps I don't know how to wire it. Any thoughts? 

 

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I can't really comment on the Hornby Dublo Royal Mail Operating system because I have never seen it. I used to have a Tri-ang one, though, and that didn't need any electricity to work it. The coach had levers underneath which struck permanent ramps between the rails. One automatically snatched at a bag, even if it wasn't there, and the delivery bin part also operated like that, as far as I remember. Are you saying that yours needs electricity to, say, give you  the choice of raising and lowering such ramps? 

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The Hornby Dublo 2400 / 2401 mail coach works by a solenoid in the coach which is energised by a current supplied from the extra outside third rail on the mail coach apparatus track and a 'common' return to one of the rails. If you attach the switch wire only to the terminals on this track AND your 15 v AC supply is truely independent of the track supply it ought not to interfere withg the treaction supply. Some modern power units may not have a truely independent supply, so you need to check this. The coach also needs to run the correct way round, so that the pick up shoe is the same side as the contact rail. Do you still have the instruction leaflet?

There may of course be an internal fault in the coach or the lineside apparatus, causing a short circuit, whether this is the case can only be deduced by inspection and testing..

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John, hi, i have working Dublo mail coach running. As LC says, all fairly simple, 15 v ac supply, normally found on most controllers. I dont use a switch, wires connected to pick up rail terminals. Train has to pass right way, to pick up, mail bag, then drop on next pass. I have never heard of signals, being used, but mine is the oginal 3 rail system. Also, run the 2 rail, system, but thats a bit hit and miss. Mail bags go anywhere. Secret is to use lead bags, which happlily drop in container.. Any problems, post back. You can bench test it, with spare 3 rail track, before setting up. john

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