Streets Transformers

I use a Tekpower 1803D lab bench DC  power supply for my Main St. loop.  It cost about $60 on Amazon and provides up the 3 amps at voltage you can dial in digitally to a tenth of a volt.  I bought it for "R&D" but it works and I use it for main street where I run up to six or seven cars on the loop at once.  I use CW-40s (looks like CW-80 but comes in RTR sets) for several smaller loops.  

I have recently bought "one of everything" to test for the section in my 'Street book on power supplies. Actually, the Bachman Power Pack - what they show in their photos of the forthcoming RTR set they will offer, is pretty good.  It puts out only about 16 watts but it has very good, linear control of voltage, to about 1/10 volt steps. The knob twists around through about 270 degrees of movement which means you have all that movemet to control the voltage very precisely, unlike the CW40/80, where you move the throttle only about 80 degrees from min to max.  Of course you can use AC or Dc power with stock 'Streets cars, but only DC if you remove the rectifiers so they will back up.  

I like the MRC Realpower 1370 a lot: a single box with a dial that turns through as far a rotation and Bahcn and gives as good control of voltage.  Around 20 to 30 watts of power: realize you don't need power - the average streets vehcile wants only 3 to 4 watts, tops, but you want good control of voltage.  Some units have it, some don't.  Overall I would recommend the Bachman or the Realpower 1370.

I'm using a post war ZW terminal B & U for my Super Streets power, I have conventional engines and vehicles on my Super Streets so no command control needed.

Lee Fritz

I run MTH PCC's with PS-2 on my Superstreets so I use an MTH Z-750 on my Christmas layout and a Z-1000 on my year-round layout.   So if you're planning on running any vehicles with sound systems you need to plan your power supplies accordingly. 

Bill

You don't need a high watt transformer but make sure you have good circuit protection. With my post war ZW I use add-on 10 amp circuit breakers on the A thru D terminals, just ordered some 7 amp breakers from Mouser, so I will see how they work.

The MTH Z-1000 is a 100 watt transformer with a 7 amp breaker built in to it and I never popped the breaker except for a derailment or two. That's why I am going to 7 amp breakers.

Lee Fritz

Thanks Lee. Yeah, that's a 44212 alright. They're great when they work. But, for whatever reason, the failure rate we've been seeing the last 6 months or so is pretty high.

Personally, I'm a firm believer in the MRC 1370 for most DC power chores. Solid output, and the 5 year warranty is the best I've seen.

Thank you for all the replies. I got derailed for a few days but back at it. Bought and hooked up an MRC Railpower 1370.

Lee: You nailed it. Great transformer, super price and really gives you control!  Terry