If I wired A Normal Hornby DC controller to my 0 gauge track would it be able to work

[StreamStation1]

I recently got my hands on a Dapol 0 gauge class 121 and now have some track, i have some old Hornby DC controllers lying around so if I used an electrical connector between that and the power rail would it work OK?

[jcarta]

It should be okay but I am not sure what DC controller that you are using. I have an old H&M Executive controller which has a total output of 2 amps and I am able to test any new DC loco that I purchase with no issues even the double motored Heljan loco's. You can purchase these relatively cheaply from a well known auction website. I hope this helps.

Edited April 30 by jcarta

[Michael Hodgson]

Probably OK. although O gauge locos usually draw a bit more current thant OO.

A don't know how much the Dapol 121 draws, but I'd be surpised if its more than 1A, especially since they don't usually have to haul anything else.

There have been a lot of controllers over the years.  Controller should have stamped on a rating plate or moulded into the plastic either a maximum current or power consumption. 

If that is at least 1 Amp (=12 VA or 12 Watts at 12v) it should cope

Edited April 30 by Michael Hodgson

[37114]

1 hour ago, Michael Hodgson said:

Probably OK. although O gauge locos usually draw a bit more current thant OO.

A don't know how much the Dapol 121 draws, but I'd be surpised if its more than 1A, especially since they don't usually have to haul anything else.

There have been a lot of controllers over the years.  Controller should have stamped on a rating plate or moulded into the plastic either a maximum current or power consumption. 

If that is at least 1 Amp (=12 VA or 12 Watts at 12v) it should cope

They draw about 0.65 so should be fine, I use a 1amp controller and have removed the second motor on my larger diesels to keep the current draw below 1amp

[doilum]

Don't expect too much. I recently tested my newly completed Q6 with a Canon /ABC power using an ancient controller ( either Hornby or Trix but almost certainly made by H&M). In short, it was almost an on / off form of control. Later on Frydale it performed much better with an equally ancient Kent roller. It now awaits a conversion to dcc.

[StreamStation1]

This is the controller but I think I'm going to need a new one because this only looks like 0.5A and if so would that explain why it like doesn't work and then randomly moves about 1-2mm

[F-UnitMad]

0.5amp = No Chance.

I have an old H&M Duette (doesn't everyone?) which is 1amp each output IIRC; whatever, it always tripped out when I tried my first O Scale loco, which was only an old Atlas/Roco 0-6-0 Plymouth switcher. I got a 2amp controller which was fine for everything subsequently, twin-motor Heljans included.

[StreamStation1]

in which case what controller would be the cheapest option for a 2 amp controller as I plan on getting some Heljan locos in the future.

[Nearholmer]

I would respectfully suggest that if you are contemplating spending hundreds of pounds on locos then “cheapest” might not be the best criterion to apply to the purchase of a controller. Personally, I would strongly recommend Gaugemaster, who supply various very good controllers of different ratings.

[jcarta]

I have just had a look on that well known auction website and found this

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/126443182666?

 

 

[Matloughe]

Good Morning,

 

I can absolutely say that My video will prove it does work! However please ignore the yapping dog fron next-door in the background and the Ixion Hudswell Clarke hadn't run for about four years so may be a little juddery but has since much improved!

Kind Regards,
Gary

Edited May 1 by Matloughe

[Atchison]

Hello,

 

these smaller 0 Gauge locos have motors about the size of H0 Gauge motors. Meaning their drawn amperage is just the same as H0 gauge locos.

For this it is possible to use for a single small sized loco this 0.5A DC controller.

 

The double motored big Diesels are another class.

The nearly standard motor is the type RS-385PH. Not only made by Mabuchi, but also made by many Chinese manufacturers. The techincal data are mostly the same.

Datasheet: https://datasheetspdf.com/pdf-down/R/S/-/RS-385PH-MABUCHI.pdf

The type RS-385PH-17120 is the respective one. Datasheet says, normal amperage is about 0.5A. But the stall current is fully 3A.

And with two motor locos the stall current is summed up to 6A.

 

In question with the 0.5A DC controller, that means for bigger locos a clear NO.

 

 

Lutz

[Hroth]

Your Dapol 121 should be perfectly ok with a basic Hornby controller, I've just tested a Dapol Jinty on a yard of Peco track, using a 9v PP3 battery!  Worked fine...

 

I'd suggest that a Gaugemaster Combi controller would be a better long term bet for the 121 and for Dapol 0-6-0 and similar locos.  If you're intending to run anything bigger, a Gaugemaster GMC100-MO single controller or a GMC-DO double controller would be suitable.  If you want to economise, the Morley Vanguard double controller mighr be a better bet.

 

 

[Adrian Stevenson]

I have a Gaugemaster GMC100-MO going spare. Used twice. 

Cheers, Ade.

[westerner]

I use the Gaugemaster GMC-100M which I used on my 00 layouts. My locos are Dapol and Minerva Panniers, Minerva Class 14, Dapol 121 and Heljan railcar. No problems but mine is a small layout so nothing goes faster than half speed.