Pete 75C Posted July 5, 2014 Share Posted July 5, 2014 With no room for a layout at present due to ongoing domestic issues and impending house move, it doesn't stop my thoughts turning to a future project... likely almost certain to be a DC N gauge roundy. As my preference is for the simplicity of just watching trains go by, DCC doesn't really hold much interest for me. I recently got hold of a couple of Farish Newspaper Express sets for a good price and consequently have a pair of new Bachmann basic speed controllers. The future layout will probably be a simple double track oval with hidden sidings. One thing I noticed about the Bachmann controllers is a lack of accessory output. Correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't the Gaugemaster Combi come with an accessory output as well as a track output? I'm wondering whether to trade in the Bachmanns for a couple of Combis or a cased dual track Gaugemaster controller. The Bachmann units look fairly well made... does anyone that uses them have any recommendations? Thanks in advance, Pete. Edit: And no, you won't convert me to DCC so don't even try! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crosland Posted July 5, 2014 Share Posted July 5, 2014 There's nothing special about accessory outputs, in fact they are often quite crude and unregulated. If you are happy with the Bachmann controllers, it would be cheaper, and far better IMHO, to buy an appropriate power supply for whatever accessories you want to operate. Andrew Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium kevinlms Posted July 6, 2014 RMweb Premium Share Posted July 6, 2014 There's nothing special about accessory outputs, in fact they are often quite crude and unregulated. If you are happy with the Bachmann controllers, it would be cheaper, and far better IMHO, to buy an appropriate power supply for whatever accessories you want to operate. Andrew In fact there are good reasons for not using the accessory terminals at all, since largish drains will effect the power available for the trains, especially if a spike for solenoid type point motors. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete 75C Posted July 6, 2014 Author Share Posted July 6, 2014 Thanks to both of you. I think I'll treat the Bachmann controller as exactly what it says on the box - "speed controller". I agree it would be a much safer bet to get hold of a seperate cased transformer for accessory control. There will be 6-8 points in the fiddle yard sidings, so a CDU wired in is probably a good idea too. I haven't had a chance to test the Bachmann controllers but I'm reasonably sure they'll be fine for my requirements. "Turn knob, train goes" - for a double track roundy layout that doesn't even feature a station to stop at, I think they're all I need. Thanks again. Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Lee Posted July 6, 2014 Share Posted July 6, 2014 Correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't the Gaugemaster Combi come with an accessory output as well as a track output? My Gaugemaster Combi controllers also have a "16/18V Ac" accessory output. I have no idea whether or not it is a good idea to use it because I use manual point levers, and I have a separate DC power supply for the LED street and platform lamps. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
edcayton Posted July 6, 2014 Share Posted July 6, 2014 I am very impressed with the Bachmann controller that came with my "midnight Metropolitan" set. It is very much better than my old H&M Duette, and I am on the lookout for another. Ed Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete 75C Posted July 6, 2014 Author Share Posted July 6, 2014 Thanks Ed. That kinda seals the deal. I won't bother part-exing them for something that has an accessory output that I might not use, I think I'll use the Bachmanns and source a cased transformer for accessories. Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheWeatheringMan Posted July 8, 2014 Share Posted July 8, 2014 Thanks Ed. That kinda seals the deal. I won't bother part-exing them for something that has an accessory output that I might not use, I think I'll use the Bachmanns and source a cased transformer for accessories. Pete. Hi, Just a quick input based on experience of operating layouts at steam fairs. We have a continuous run layout that is Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends and when on display at a steam rally will be operating for six to seven hours continuously for a two day period. On one of the circuits we use a Bachmann controller - this has now operated for over two years in these conditions and has proved totally reliable in such use, which is without doubt much more demanding than a home layout. Our opinion is that you will not regret keeping and using your Bachmann units as they are well made and reliable electronic controllers. We also use a new Gaugemaster 'Combi' on an end to end section of the layout. This has only been used for the two days of a show this weekend but impressions are very favourable at this stage - its a lovely little unit to use. Yes it does have an accessory output but I would strongly echo the opinions of others in saying always use a separate supply for accessories. For our two main lines on the Thomas layout we use a Gaugemaster Model D twin track unit - again this runs continuously for up to seven hours and has done so for two years of exhibiting - it just plays with the job totally reliably - but then that just what i'd expect from a Gaugemaster product - for analogue use they just can't be bettered. Our other 'serious' layout is DCC controlled and operates under similar conditions. Here we use Digitrax equipment - again with total reliability for several years. Hope this might be of interest. Regards Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete 75C Posted July 8, 2014 Author Share Posted July 8, 2014 Thanks for that, it's nice to hear from someone that uses one. As a home layout, you're right - it won't be getting anywhere near that amount of use. Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheWeatheringMan Posted July 8, 2014 Share Posted July 8, 2014 Thanks for that, it's nice to hear from someone that uses one. As a home layout, you're right - it won't be getting anywhere near that amount of use. Pete. Hi Pete, Your very welcome indeed. Read your post this morning and thought you might be interested. If I can help any more please get in touch. Regards Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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