[madon37s]

Hi Guys and Gals

Can someone help me with my enquiry please, Is there a controller that is used for 'O' gauge locomotives on DC. What I mean is that I normally run 'OO' gauge and was wondering do you use a different size, amperage controller for 'O' gauge as the diesels normally run with two motor bogies!

Many thanks for any help given

Kind regards

Paul

 

[John Webb]

I think most of the good DC controllers (eg Gaugemaster, On Track, Hornby HM2000 and the like) have around a 1 amp output, and will certainly power two 00 locos on the same track. Provided the current consumption of the 0 gauge loco is less than the output of the contoller you should have no problem.

Regards,
John

 

[Dinwiddy]

Hi Paul - Gaugemaster do make a specific controller for O gauge, slightly higher voltage & power output. Most O runs at up to 16 volt DC.
Regards
David Y

 

[stevelewis]

Suyggest you look at HELSMAN CONTROLLERS (www.helmsmanuk.co.uk I think otherwise try GOOGLE)

A Balckpool based company make a superb range of controllers for larger scales, lifetime guarantee,

Helmman dont just make controllers they are suppliers of Theatre lightin & electronics and also do work for several Major Airports

I have used their controllers with great success

Tower Models & Glendale Junction also supply them

 

[madon37s]

Thanks chaps for the info. Shall have a look into cost etc.

Kind regards

Paul

 

[stevelewis]

As a matter of interest Paul I dabble occasionally in 0 gauge, mainly digitising locos for others these days!

But a 2 motored diesel such as a bachmann Brass 25 will run OK from a 1 amp controller, but I would recommend a higher amperage if any sort of load is to be hauled, personally I would aim for 4 to 5 Amp minimum

Most iof my Garden activities are in g scale these days using Digital, but my first garden line in the 70s was 00!!

 

[Brian Considine]

Another possibility would be to look for a good condition H & M Powermaster - good for 1.5a on the controlled output which is a variable transformer unit.

I'm sure one of the members here refubish's them.

 

[stevelewis]

Personally I would not touch anything as OLD as an H&M powerunit, They have not been manufactured for several years,
It amazes me in our Hobby why people even consider using old power units, considering that you are dealing with MAINS electricity which can be lethal.

I remember the case of an enthusiast electrocuted in his loft whilst using an old power unit.

Most people would not use domestic appliances more than a few years old, so why do it with your hobby?

 

[Brian Considine]

QUOTE (stevelewis @ 1 Jun 2009, 15:35) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Personally I would not touch anything as OLD as an H&M powerunit, They have not been manufactured for several years,
It amazes me in our Hobby why people even consider using old power units, considering that you are dealing with MAINS electricity which can be lethal.

& why not ? All H & M power units I have come across are double insulated & (as well as those from for example Gaugemaster) are known for their long & reliable service life.

My main professional life involves testing electrical appliance & I can assure you that old does not mean fail & new(ish) does not mean pass either.

If you care to look through my older posts you will see that I am very critical of things like "home made in wooden box power supplies" & suchlike & often bang the electrical safety drum too.

You could get electrocuted with brand new equipment if it is not wired up & used correctly.