I am planning to build a small N Scale layout of 3"by 7". I'm new to MRR'ing. What's a good starter DC Power Pack that is not overly expnsive. I have chose to use Kato Unitrack. Any suggestions?
Im new, anwsers wanted
- Thread starter rcwatkins
- Start date
I have found the MRC Tech series to be everything you could want for the price. I myself use an MRC RailPower 1300 on my test bench. It's the cheapest of the cheapies and works just fine.
You've come to the right place, RC, welcome the the-gauge and to model railroading! We have some real pros here doing N scale.
Watkins,
Perhaps one of the least understood things about dcc with newbies is the concept - "wiring is tougher with dcc." Its the exact reverse: wiring is easier with dcc, you need less of it, and you don't have to buy a bunch of selectors, controllers, etc - whatever Atlas flogs.
Here is how to wire for dcc:
1) Run two larger gauge wires down the middle of your layout (underneath) - this is called your power bus. I don't know why two wires are called "buses" but who am I to question.
2) Attach feeders from track A to power bus A under neath. Attach feeder B from track B to power bus B underneath. How often you attach feeders is the only "controversial part." About 4 MR's ago, there was an article discussing buses, and recommended feeders every three feet - its a good article - read it, and it gives it reason for the recommendation.
3) Reversing loops - easier with dcc. Get an auto reverser - wire per instructions, make sure the reversing loop is completely isolated, from the mainline feeding track. By this I mean, use insulated joiners, or whatever on both track just before the reversing loop.
I guarantee you, these wiring instructions are much easier than block wiring.
Perhaps one of the least understood things about dcc with newbies is the concept - "wiring is tougher with dcc." Its the exact reverse: wiring is easier with dcc, you need less of it, and you don't have to buy a bunch of selectors, controllers, etc - whatever Atlas flogs.
Here is how to wire for dcc:
1) Run two larger gauge wires down the middle of your layout (underneath) - this is called your power bus. I don't know why two wires are called "buses" but who am I to question.
2) Attach feeders from track A to power bus A under neath. Attach feeder B from track B to power bus B underneath. How often you attach feeders is the only "controversial part." About 4 MR's ago, there was an article discussing buses, and recommended feeders every three feet - its a good article - read it, and it gives it reason for the recommendation.
3) Reversing loops - easier with dcc. Get an auto reverser - wire per instructions, make sure the reversing loop is completely isolated, from the mainline feeding track. By this I mean, use insulated joiners, or whatever on both track just before the reversing loop.
I guarantee you, these wiring instructions are much easier than block wiring.
Oh wait, that garage space I was talking about has been taken up! 
Now all I have is a cheapy 2' by 4' table which has chipped green paint. Any one know a layout plan with Kato Unitrack that small, but not a toy train oval?
Now all I have is a cheapy 2' by 4' table which has chipped green paint. Any one know a layout plan with Kato Unitrack that small, but not a toy train oval?rc -
You might check out the track plans at Kato's site:
http://www.katousa.com
(Click on "Unitrack", then on "Track Plans".)
As far as a good internet dealer, I like:
http://www.4nscale.com
but I'm sure there are others.
You might check out the track plans at Kato's site:
http://www.katousa.com
(Click on "Unitrack", then on "Track Plans".)
As far as a good internet dealer, I like:
http://www.4nscale.com
but I'm sure there are others.
I only have enough room for 1 layout.
BTW-deminsions for the garage table are 36" by 92" yes inches.
the best ones are from Atlas, the recent offerings from Life-Like and Bachmann. Athearn is also good, as is Peco & Kato. (Kato & Atlas are a little pricey, though)
I have been looking at power packs & may buy a couple of the tech4 200 packs. I found them for $40 on 4nscale.com. And I already have the turnout power supply at hand, that being a Bachmann toy pack that they want in that big giant reference book for $25.
I have another ?. Does any1 know shipping costs on 4nscale.com?
Good layout plands
two websites with a nice collection of 2x4 plans in N-scale
http://www.thortrains.net
(click on the mini N-scale layouts)
http://www.naisp.net/users/mfischer/m_train2.htm
a collection of 2x4, door (30" x 80"), and a few shelf and 2x3 layouts
two websites with a nice collection of 2x4 plans in N-scale
http://www.thortrains.net
(click on the mini N-scale layouts)
http://www.naisp.net/users/mfischer/m_train2.htm
a collection of 2x4, door (30" x 80"), and a few shelf and 2x3 layouts
be sure and use AC for powering turnouts, lights, etc. You're ok though, with a toy train transformer.Originally posted by rcwatkins
I have been looking at power packs & may buy a couple of the tech4 200 packs. I found them for $40 on 4nscale.com. And I already have the turnout power supply at hand, that being a Bachmann toy pack that they want in that big giant reference book for $25.
I have another ?. Does any1 know shipping costs on 4nscale.com?
Well, i dont use AC for lights to bright on sum buildings they lights goes through them so i use DC to turn them down
$200
well, I'd start with track
seriously, what do you already have? that'll determine what else you need
well, I'd start with track
seriously, what do you already have? that'll determine what else you need
I am going to use Unitrack. Things have been on the upswing lately. Saturday I bought a LBF CSX Big Blue Boxcar. Monday I sold my Xbox (video game console) to a friend for his birthday for $200. Today I got the boxcar. I have also found out that my mom (yes I'm only 13) will help me move things around so I could lengthen my layout.
I have also found out that my mom (yes I'm only 13) will help me move things around so I could lengthen my layout.Great Websites for MRRers new and veteran
Hello. Two really great and informative sites for anybody in the hobby are maintained by the National Model RR Ass'n (NMRA). They are:
www.nmra.org , and (my personal favorite)
http://www.cwrr.com/nmra/nmralink.html
I got started in HO in the mid-60's back when neither this sort of access to information nor the almost embarassing wealth of manufactured products we have today was around. ...and I made a lot of mistakes learning it the hard way. Please, give the sites a look-over. Best of luck getting going in this greatest of all hobbies.
Hello. Two really great and informative sites for anybody in the hobby are maintained by the National Model RR Ass'n (NMRA). They are:
www.nmra.org , and (my personal favorite)
http://www.cwrr.com/nmra/nmralink.html
I got started in HO in the mid-60's back when neither this sort of access to information nor the almost embarassing wealth of manufactured products we have today was around. ...and I made a lot of mistakes learning it the hard way. Please, give the sites a look-over. Best of luck getting going in this greatest of all hobbies.
Good advice, GLLogger, and the NMRA regional sites are also a great sorce of info. They are linked from hte NMRAs site.