What is the opinion on this MRC Model? Does anyone have one and how do you like the walk around capability.
MRC Dual Power O27 270 Watt Transformer. It has 270 watts of big AC power, a single or dual walk around capability,
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I have one I picked up on Ebay years ago. Take my comments with a grain of salt, not sure if my experiences are common. First, the price was right. Second, the responsiveness of the walk around controls was well questionable. There was a noticeable delay between control input and response. Third, it seemed the starting voltage was a bit high for my tastes. That being said, I use this to run my layout but using the 14 V fixed terminals for TMCC. I remember reading somewhere that the power output was not recommended by MTH but do not remember why. The regular contributors to the forum who have greater electrical knowledge may be able to weigh in.
When the layout did extend to 2 different rooms, the walk around did work well. Wiring it was easy, simply phone wire jacks to a variety of locations worked well. I pick up mine for under $100. That's a lot of power for the price. If the price is right consider it.
The "walk around" feature are those two tethered controllers on the left of your picture. you are still tethered to the transformer and limited to "walk around based on the length of your tethers or add additional phone jack wiring plugs from your transformer to positions around your layout. The issue with these transformers is the AC wave output is NOT a pure sine wave so it will affect Ps-1 and Ps-2 electronic equipped locos and their sound systems. Ps-1 equipped locos will not work and/or work erratically and Ps-2 locos may work but sound functions may not.
otherwise the transformer for Williams and conventional postwar lionel is good.
Interesting feedback and thanks- the watts per dollar is good and that is what got me interested. The phone jacks would work for me, my layout is about 15x20 in one room. Seems it would be good for playing with the operating items spread around the layout. Sounds like some negatives but no show stoppers- it may be worth a try- I like the 14 and 10 volt fixed outputs it has too. Relative to the MTH Ps-1 and 2, does it put out the same chopped sine wave I have seen pictures of similar to the Cw-80? My current locos work ok with whatever the Cw-80 produces.
I had one of these, It wouldn't work with most of my ps1 engines. So I bought a Z4000 and used this for the lights on my acessories and buildings. I did notice an occasional light flicker with this transformer. So now all I use is 2 KW's for my layout lights. I personally was displeased with this transformer.
