I have a NCE power cab but was thinking of not using it and going to a traditional method of dc. I'm asking what type of controller I should be looking at?
Do I get one suitable for n gauge or do I get one rated for oo gauge. I'm new to model railways hence the questions.
I, and quite a lot of other people, use a Gaugemaster controller. I have the Handheld Model W which works well and I'm really pleased with. Being a handheld unit I can control my locos from anywhere on the layout, which is very useful as the layout occupies almost all four walls of the room.
I have a Gaugemaster Combi. On reflection the equivalent hand-held (the 'W' version?) would have been a bit more convenient. A lot of 009 chassis started their life under N-scale models and if not are very similar.
Quote from: Mark Griffiths on March 30, 2022, 20:17
I'm new to model railways hence the questions.
Hi Mark. With that statement in mind, then I think the Gaugemaster Combi will suit your needs certainly as a starter. It is convenient as it comes with a wall-wart transformer unit so is all in one. At today's prices I think it retails new for around £40. The Gaugemaster W is very reliable and popular, however you should be aware that it runs on 16v AC and requires a separate transformer. A big plus point for all Gaugemaster controllers is that they come with a lifetime guarantee.
If you are likely to expand your power requirements and grow your layout from the "beginner" small layout start, then I would recommend a Morley Vector. This will set you back around £75 (adverts for it appear in Railway Modeller). It is also a reliable unit and I know of 2 exhibition layouts that have used this. For the money it offers great value as it has built in tranformer, twin 12v DC output and two controllers built into the casing PLUS 2 hand held controllers so that each of the built in controllers can simply be switched to hand helds. For an all in one unit with stacks of flexibility you won't find anything to get near it for the price.
To answer your question about whether to get something rated for N or 00, then as 009 runs on 9mm gauge track and uses chassis that are either exactly the same as N chassis or if bespoke modern 009 ready to run are very similar, then the answer is simple - N! (bear in mind that 009 uses "N" track gauge but is modelled in 4mm (= 00) as a scale).
You will probably get a wide variety of suggestions for "best controllers" - there are indeed a very wide variety of controllers you could use, including feedback and pulse powered ones, my two suggestions above are based on you being new to model railways in general and therefore it is probably sound advice to stick to straightforward but reliable kit to start with.
Mick
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May I suggest that in considering the choice of a suitable controller there is another basic matter to take into account?
It is the simple issue of ergonomics.
Of the controllers suggested above by Mick Thornton some have a speed control knob with a centre off. This offers a choice of direction as well as speed from the one control.
The alternative has a knob to control the speed and a separate switch to select direction.
My personal view is that the latter is to be preferred for operating a layout that involves a certain amount shunting.
Christopher Payne
In my experience which type you chose - 2 way knob that controls both speed & direction or speed control with separate direction switch - will be down to personal preference as Christopher suggest.
The real difficulty comes when tying to operate the one type when you are used to the other...
Another possible consideration is the type of locomotive you have or intend to have. There have been reports of some types of locomotive not performing particularly well with certain designs of controller. Where this is seen it seems mostly to apply to controllers with certain design 'features' such as what manufacturers call feedback and some PWM controllers. The combination of Bachmann Baldwin locos and PWM controllers is reported to not to work well together for example.
I don't want to put you off by overstating the issue, but things do crop up bearing in mind that 009 locomotives derive from a wide range of sources. Locomotives can be found on everything from really quite ancient chassis through to semi-toy like miniature chassis (e.g. some so-called 'electric mice') where slow running is not a priority. Recent RTR locos and ones built on reliable N-gauge chassis are likely to be more consistent and well behaved.
I guess a good plan, if it is possible, is to see some locos and controllers working together, perhaps asking if you can try your locos on another layout and even try out the controller. If not then ask if anyone uses the combination you are thinking of.
I read somewhere that using a 'feedback' controller with coreless motors is not a good idea.
Quote from: Peter Boulter on March 31, 2022, 14:55
I read somewhere that using a 'feedback' controller with coreless motors is not a good idea.
Yes that is correct.
In my experience the gauge master W and Combi work ok with all chassis.
They may not be the absolute best with all types of chassis but they work well with them all.
They also have a lifetime guarantee, even when second hand.
Can I thank you all for the advice it was what I was looking for.