Power Pack

[jimbravo9]

I've been looking for a good power pack. I haven't seen anything as far as reviews go I'm looking for something dependable for an oval layout on a 4x8. I won't be doing any DCC for this first one.

 

[thaddeusthudpucker]

I have an MRC Tech 3.

It is the most awesome epic powerpack EVER. My forst ever trainset was a LifeLike with a UP F40PH, a hopper, a reefer, ad a caboose. Years later, I acquired a similar locomotive, and was blown away by how crappy it ran with a similar powerpack (after having grown up of course.)

I ran it off the Tech 3, and was astounded by how much better it ran. The one I have has an ammeter (useful for diagnosing problems) and a voltmeter for track voltage. It also has a couple of neat switches for momentum simulation and a sprung "brake" switch.

If you are looking for a good powerpack, definitely go for the Tech 3 or Tech 4. You will not regret it. If your track and wheels are clean, its the next best thing to DCC. All of my DCC'd engines play nice with it, and everything is happy.

 

[Larry]

I use an MRC9500 on one of my mainlines. You might want to use something a little smaller & someone else will help w/that advice.

 

[tankist]

i will be going DCC route but got MRC tech2 1400 for testing purposes. its the cheaper one without momentum. but it is huge step over the train-set packs. slow speed control is amazing. but if i went with DC i'd probably pick one of the better ones

 

[jimbravo9]

Thanks for the replies. I've been using the one that came with the Life Like set I bought for my daughter and I. I just started puchasing a bunch of stuff separately for a CSX themed setup of the town I work in. Thanks again.

 

[thaddeusthudpucker]

Any powerpack MRC makes will probably blow that LL one out of the water. Even for the daughter's train...

 

[Steamfreak]

Before switching to DCC I used an MRC Tech II-2500. As close to DCC-like performance you'll find..

 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

On my last DC layout I used an MRC Tech4 280 dual controller to control two independent loops on a 6 x 8. It worked very well and I could run three locos on each track with no problem.

 

[Mogul2-6-0]

I want an MRC dual too but I use a budget Bachmann Spectrum Magnum $30 off ebay
works great for the money. Good basic power, some other models have meter, momentum, brake etc. Nice
It Runs my trains or my daughters Life-likes great (under the xmas tree right now). You can use the crappy blue one to run accesories. Or pour gas over it and burn it. LOL
or save it for posterity its like your first drink you had before you became a crack head model train junkie