Let's Look at Some Analog Power Supplies...

Well, this is kinda' analog.   Four of these power my layout.

When I think of my analog power supplies, I look at my workbench.  Two 5A programmable supplies and one 10A true "analog" supply.  All have adjustable current limiting and of course, regulated voltages.

I have a smaller, simple layout with two independent loops. Right now I have a Lionel CW80 powering the less demanding freight loop and it does the job perfectly. But for the more power-demanding passenger loop, I recently switched from a CW80 to Lionel's Powerhouse 180 watt brick like John's, only I have just one and love it. Simple 180 watt power directly to the track, with the train controlled by the handheld remote. Now my passenger diesels, along with all of the lighted aluminum cars have plenty of power.

The 1993-2003 layout.....

I know this picture was taken between April/May 2002 (presence of a TIU) and November 2003 (when the layout came down).

I still own them all and now use one of the Zs for lights and accessories and a ZWL for my trains.

A picture from the 2011-21 layout taken in 2015.

Peter

MRC transformer with exposed circuit breaker - my dad had a single throttle version. Burnt my young fingers many a time when I picked up the “fuse” after it had tripped. Fond memories now.

Steve

The one with the fuse stuck on the front panel is pretty amusing, the UL boys would love that one!

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

The one with the fuse stuck on the front panel is pretty amusing, the UL boys would love that one!

...hadn't thought of that...

Speaking of MRC packs, here's a couple of later issues:

MRC had just come out with this style about the time I first got into model railroading. I thought they looked cool and the mounting options (top, bottom or side panel) is a neat feature, as are the variable voltage and momentum dials. Great for the smaller stuff.

Lionel Type S:

Nice little transformer; I bought it for a buck as the cord had been cut. As with most post-war stuff, an easy fix and it works fine.

A newer MRC unit; very handy for the workbench, and I like the fact that it starts at 0 volts...

Mark in Oregon

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

The one with the fuse stuck on the front panel is pretty amusing, the UL boys would love that one!

Speaking of which...

For my final (?) contributions, I have a small assortment of the Marnold packs:

A pair of "C25"s (both have the exposed fuse, 2.5 amps) and an "HO 20 Throttle Control".

And lastly:

"C 40 De Lux"; also has the exposed fuse, 4 amps.

When I first got into this hobby, the Marnold stuff was very expensive, so I just assumed it was a good line. Now that I actually have some examples, I must say they work really well and have that great "post modern"(?) look to them.

The "Load Compensator" is a nice feature. I can run smaller scales (N, HO) and can motors (American Models S scale) on the "Lite" or "Med" settings, and use the "Hvy" for open-framed (All Nation and CLW O, Enhorning S) and/or universal-type motors (Flyer, Lionel, etc.) Very handy.

I think that's pretty much all I have...

Mark in Oregon

This is a cool thread. I like the look of the old equipment with the steel plates and what not.

I have a Lionel Type S myself but I rarely use it. It belonged to my grandfather.

Here is a Tri.Tec Hogger from my HO days in the 80s.  It had Speed, Momentum, Smoothing and Speed range controls. It stopped working so I drilled out the rivets and opened it.  No obvious burnt parts.  Inside the large sheet metal case was a big transformer and a lot of empty space.  A lone circuit board had one IC on it:  an LN358N dual op amp.  Everything was hand-wired.  

If anyone wants to try to fix it, it's yours for the shipping cost or pick up at York

Bob

An Analog Big One - Right of Way - Still going strong !!

My favorite remains the Z.

New test stand I’m building with a 1033. Still a work in progress

I used to walk down and across canal street NYC when I was a teenager. There on the west side one would find several electronic surplus houses. One could spend hours sourcing out potential “robot projects!” There was a shop that had display cases with some older power stuff for model train control. I bought a couple of Copper clad MRC transformers and unfortunately money spent could not get the handheld MRC

unit.

Last year I had an opportunity to buy one from another forum’s attendee who wanted an unusually  high amount of $ for  an “as is“ rough one.
I didn’t need it that bad! Lol  Long ago, I did once use one on a friends H.O. Switching layout. My first hand held experience in the late 60’s? Kind of unforgettable cool.
Hey, anyone have one they want to unload?

thx Strummer, great thread!

I remember that the classy copper clad housing MRC units seemed to be available in different shades of copper color. Some  dull, some bright, some absolutely golden as in the hand held example I presented in this thread. Anyway, my experience was very positive for small layout control.  I used the transformers for N scale switching, Perfect.

I have seen these copper clads at shows, they are always off the tables and on the way to new happy ownership! Kind of a nostalgic thing of sorts I would agree with!

I had a childhood friend George whose older brother went to Edison High School, NYC. Mario made some power packs for his brother which I thought was very cool. I remember asking him about hand helds. Mario said he could copy one if I could get one, then he would take it apart and build a replica maybe a better one.
Mario, the point is I want one I can’t find nor afford! I remember he said get me a broken one and I will repair it, or the plans…..
“bring me a shrubberry” uh ok…lol.

Question arises. Were  

marnold packs
manufactured earlier than model rectifier corp? Or same era?

marn O power? would it have powered my old All Nation switchers?

cool looking pack!

@Leroof posted:

I used to walk down and across canal street NYC when I was a teenager. There on the west side one would find several electronic surplus houses. One could spend hours sourcing out potential “robot projects!” There was a shop that had display cases with some older power stuff for model train control. I bought a couple of Copper clad MRC transformers and unfortunately money spent could not get the handheld MRC

unit.

Last year I had an opportunity to buy one from another forum’s attendee who wanted an unusually  high amount of $ for  an “as is“ rough one.
I didn’t need it that bad! Lol  Long ago, I did once use one on a friends H.O. Switching layout. My first hand held experience in the late 60’s? Kind of unforgettable cool.
Hey, anyone have one they want to unload?

thx Strummer, great thread!

Funny.  Whoever this other forum user was used my photo to represent theirs.  I took that photo a number of years ago.  I bought it at a swap meet for $10.  The photo must be out there on the internet and others are using as I've never offered mine for sale.  I have two of them along with half a dozen MRC HO transformers in the brass and copper top style, four Tech II's, and a Tech IV for O and G scale.

However, this is the DC one that I like the best.  Lots of power for older O scale open frame motors.

And this is just for the fun of it.  If I ever get an E8, I have a spare part for it.

Jonathan.
well, I guess your photo has been around!
Tell me, does the coast feature actually work on MRC 77?
Btw, might you be interested in finding one of your #77 a new home?

I run my O scale equipment with my MRC control master 20.

I have had more than my share of accidents using the momentum circuit on my cab control.  Usually I would plow into the rear of another train.  Unfortunately, mine are not for sale.  They are my favorite controllers too!  They simulate running a real train better than any of my other power supplies.  The only downside is they are hard wired, but I can live with that.