Good Evening,
I am currently running Lionel CW-80's and 18 gauge wires through a DCS 12 port terminal block. This is working fine, but I have some older single motor MTH Steam Engines that are heavy and need a kick. Considering an upgrade to an MRC Pure Power Dual. I've read that there are safety considerations when going to a big transformer. How can I best make the transition safely with wiring, etc? Thank you for your time.
-Bob
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Upgrade the wiring to a heavier gauge, and make sure all wire and track connections are tight. Other than that, there are no more safety considerations than using any other transformer. If getting a multi-throttle transformer, some suggest putting individual fast acting fuses or circuit breakers in line with each transformer output. Connecting Transient Voltage Suppressors across each output will protect the electronics in locomotives and rolling stock from voltage spikes, which fuses will not protect from.
The Lionel Power House 'bricks' cannot be used alone, and need the ZW controller to vary the voltage. The ZW controller package with (2) 135 watt power supplies is the same price as, and has the same power output of, the MRC unit, with the added versatility of giving you variable voltage outputs for accessories as opposed to the fixed voltage output of the MRC unit. More power supplies can be added as the need requires also.
Larry
dale he is using the 12 port distribution block he does not state whether he is using command or Conventional in the OP
it sounds like he is running conventional
The MPC Dual has an issue. When you sound the whistle or horn, the trains slow down. They're nice looking units, but do not offer the power of a Z4000 or new ZW-L.
For some reason, the MRC Dual can cause issues with certain DCS locomotives. This was pretty surprising to me, but it was verified by MTH when I was at the ASC class. The odd thing is that it's just a plain transformer with diodes to activate the whistle & bell functions, so it's curious why it would cause a problem.
There have been several Z-4000's for sale lately on the BUY/SELL board for very good prices. A lot of people seem to like them. The Lionel ZWL has gotten some great reviews but it is a little pricy at around $600.
In any event you should consider upgrading your wiring as suggested by others. Cheapest way to go is get wire from either The Home Depot or Lowes. They have various gauges for very reasonable prices.
One thing not pointed out is MRC is out of business so even if you bought a new one there would not be any warranty.
Bob,
Whatever you decide, I would recommend an upgrade of wiring to 14 gauge.
If you are running in command mode, then the Lionel 180 watt Power House is hard to beat on price / performance.
If you are running conventional, then you do need handles. So a MTH Z=4000 or Lionel ZW (older) or ZW-L are good choices.
Best,
George
One thing not pointed out is MRC is out of business so even if you bought a new one there would not be any warranty.
Please elaborate, I must be missing something? As far as I know they are alive and well, check their website. Model Power has just recently gone out of business and I think I remember reading that MRC has bought them out.
Total misinformation, MRC is alive and well.
First of all, thank you to all of you who have given your opinion on this topic. MRC is still in business, but to dignify the above poster, it is easy to confuse MRC with Model Power, which is recently out of business. I will be running conventional, and transitioning to 14 gauge wire for all of the blocks. I am a bit concerned wondering if the terminal blocks can handle a load limit of 180 watts, so I will have to research that. I am also not familiar with how to install separate circuit breakers, so I will look that up as well. Thanks to all of you, and I will continue to check future contributions to this topic.
-Bob
I stand corrected. Easy to get them confused.
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
