Hi Duncan
I can see this is an old post but if you are still looking for any info. I can tell you my PE 144 works very well.
The sockets on the back are 1/8'' inch. I was lucky enough to have a box of 1/8'' copper rivets and these are a very good push fit. I just drilled through two rivets and soldered wires on.
I also have the AGW PE609 booster unit which runs my O gauge stock at 2 amps with 5 amps max.
John