H&M Clipper

[Derek Clark]

I've just returned to Model railways after a 20-ish year break and decided on OO9.
I am building a starter layout of a simple oval with a passing loop and two, or three, sidings.
I have found my old H&M Clipper controller which was working 20 years ago when I put it away. Is it suitable to use with modern motors? My first loco is to be powered by a new Kato 11-109.

Thanks for any advice.

[Graeme Dunbar]

If memory serves it is one of the old 'rheostat' designs so speed control is likely to be disappointing compared to newer controllers.

[Hobby]

It will probably work them as long as you are careful with the power and your use of the "wave" and "resistance" functions which could affect a newer motor,  but quite honestly analogue (DC) controller technology has come on so much over the years since that was made I feel you'd be better off spending a few quid and buying a more up to date one. You can still use the Clipper as the source of power for your new controller as it has a 16vAC output which is fine for most hand held units like the Gaugemaster W (substitute other makes as required!).

There are several threads on the NGRM forum about comparing modern controllers, best to read them before making your mind up, but as with all such comparison threads people tend to recommend their favourite! Personally mine is the GM W (or Combi which is similar), but others don't agree!

[Hobby]

I have found my old H&M Clipper controller which was working 20 years ago when I put it away. Is it suitable to use with modern motors?

Funnily enough a quick search on here reveals this thread, perhaps worth a read to stop us going over old ground! ;)

https://www.009society.com/forum/index.php?topic=3653.0

[Derek Clark]

Ah, I should have thought of doing a search! Thanks for the help it is much appreciated.

The bit about the 16vAC from the Clipper providing power: I have a Lenz TR 100/UK transformer which is 15vAC 3A max. output. Will that serve in place of the Clipper for a gauge master W controller?

[Hobby]

Should be fine, I've used various sources for my Ws, I doubt the drop of 1v will make any difference to the control of the locos. we don't tend to use full power on narrow gauge anyhow, they aren't high speed trains!

[Tom Haythornthwaite]

...they aren't high speed trains!

They seem to be in some of the available videos!

[Graeme Dunbar]

...they aren't high speed trains!

They seem to be in some of the available videos!

and therein lies the search for the Holy Grail of controllers!

[Derek Clark]

Thank you all.

[Peter Boulter]

At first I used an old H&M Powermaster for my layout, it worked quite well.
Later on, when my finances had recovered from buying track, locos and rolling stock, I replaced it with a Gaugemaster  hand-held controller, powered from the H&M's 16V AC output, and it it gives much better control of locos than the Powermaster.

[Hobby]

...they aren't high speed trains!

They seem to be in some of the available videos!

and therein lies the search for the Holy Grail of controllers!

Or a steady hand and remembering this is narrow gauge, not standard gauge, and the trains don't usually go very fast unless you are modelling the Ziller!

[Derek Clark]

This afternoon I have bought a 2nd hand Gaugemaster W from Rails of Sheffield.
I hope it is ok  :)

[Hugh Norwood]

Gaugemasters come with a lifetime guarantee.

[Hobby]

And it works. I had one break at an exhibition and despite not having any reciept they repaired it for the cost of the postage. That is impressive after sales service.

[paul ludlow]

Speaking only from experience & nothing to do with the fact I live only two miles from gaugemaster hq! I own two GM combi's, one powers my small (4ft x 2ft ) layout & the other I use for powering a yard of track, my wheel cleaning brushes & my rolling road on my work bench ( also know as the dining table ). I have experienced no problems with either unit for over ten years. 😊👏🙂