Which Controller?

[Steve Facknell]

Good morning,

I recently have joined and I wondered which controller is preferred.  I presently have locos by Roco and a couple of Kato 103 chassis. Control by a Gaugemaster Combi is being used but I have HH controllers by the same maker.
Experiences of use and the most appropriate would be appreciated.
Steve

[Hugh Norwood]

Hi Steve,
Well, there has been (always will be) a lot of debate on what is the best controller. Have a look through the Electrics and Control section of this forum.

However, to prevent your eyes glazing over (and they will!) it might be easier to ask when you see a ng layout at exhibitions; we all like to talk about our layouts.

BUT I think it's safe to say you should avoid any Controller that looks like it came out of a 1950's SF movie (or even early Doctor Who episodes) You'll know what I mean when you see them. They might (just) be OK for big stuff, but are quite likely to fry modern small motors...

As an aside (another) over in the other place  (ngrm-online.com) there is quite a comprehensive thread comparing controllers which you may find informative.

Hope this helps

[Andrew Emery]

Good morning,

I recently have joined and I wondered which controller is preferred.  I presently have locos by Roco and a couple of Kato 103 chassis. Control by a Gaugemaster Combi is being used but I have HH controllers by the same maker.
Experiences of use and the most appropriate would be appreciated.
Steve

Welcome Steve,
I asked the same question some time back, settled on Gaugemaster products, and am more than happy with them. Hope that helps.
Kindest,
Andrew

[Hobby]

There are some nice ones from abroad if you can find them but for British controllers for 009 then I don't think there's any point in using anything other than a Gaugemaster W (or perhaps the Combi).

[rod335]

And never forget that Gaugemaster have a (very efficient) lifetime guarantee. No contest in my book. Amazes me that the SG fraternity will happily spend

[Steve Facknell]

Thanks for all your advice- am going to Weymouth later this month so will see what is used on the two or three layouts scheduled there.
My question arose because of indifferent running of my Roco 0-6-6 diesel shunter. It expired yesterday with what looked lke one of the pickups jammed behind one of the wheels- now returned to retailer.
So the Combi may be ok when I get more time to run the steam loco and Kato chassis-
Thanks again
Steve

[B.Meldon]

I am not a big fan of Gaugemaster as we have had problems with them in the past so as a result we have all KPC