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I'm putting this thread here, because these items can power an assortment of types and scales.

I thought it might be interesting to see what types of units are being used/collected; I'll start with a few, then add more if there's any interest..

15B

Flyer "15B"; nice unit which works great for 3 rail, Flyer and Standard Gauge. Looks cool, too! I like the "dead man's" feature as well...

Heathkit

Heathkit "RP-1065"; this will run any DC stuff as well as you can imagine, although it is a pretty lightweight pack. Great for smaller gauges and can-motored O scale.

Type R

Lionel Type R; nice little unit. I got this for my Standard Gauge, but it also works great on the workbench.

MRC 1

MRC "Dual Pack Model 1"; I got this for my 2 rail O scale. It's fine, although the rheostats are not super sensitive...

Last one for now:

MRC 027

This works great for postwar O and S, but the low end is a little too high (I think) for can motored O stuff.

Okay, your turn!

Mark in Oregon

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  • 15B
  • Heathkit
  • Type R
  • MRC 1
  • MRC 027
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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.

IMG_5739

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Last edited by Yellowstone Special

The 1993-2003 layout.....

34868D89-1739-470F-811B-264A0712CC97_1_105_c

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 2015.1AF8E9E6-F177-4E98-AD74-DA3EC83F764A5BC2717B-61A2-4363-BFEC-83E793CDEA0D

Peter

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  • 34868D89-1739-470F-811B-264A0712CC97_1_105_c
  • 1AF8E9E6-F177-4E98-AD74-DA3EC83F764A
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Last edited by Putnam Division

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 CM Vl

MRC CM X

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:

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.

MRC Tech ll

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

Mark in Oregon

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  • MRC CM Vl
  • MRC CM X
  • Type S
  • MRC Tech ll
Last edited by Strummer

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:

Marnold x3

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

And lastly:

C 40 #2

"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

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  • Marnold x3
  • C 40 #2

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.  

IMG_2096IMG_2097IMG_2098

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

Bob

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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.45DFF3BA-C478-40CE-98B2-B949B9734A26


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!

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Last edited by Leroof

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!

Last edited by Leroof

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.

@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.45DFF3BA-C478-40CE-98B2-B949B9734A26


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.

20170817_19562520170817_195646

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

_IGP9460

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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.

I purchased this from Davis Trains in Ohio back in the mid 90’s. Selling price was $800. MTH hadn’t been able to get their Z4000 to market and ROW was only available used at a hefty price. It’s the only power supply on my layout. I wanted to divide my layout up as far as power districts a bit better. A friend who recently passed had also bought one. Only used it a short time and the layout sat dormant for about 20 years. I had no idea what it was worth and wanted to give him a fair price. Did a search and Trainz was offering 2 on eBay at $200 a piece. We struck a deal,  but I kept an eye on them. Finally pulled the trigger when they were offered up at $80 a piece.  Now I had a back up that I’ll probably never need. The second one eventually sold. These must weigh about 25 lbs. and there’s 12 amps on each throttle. Mines been set at 17v for over 20 years.

4E005687-FA56-45F3-99FE-AB4714EA6882

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  • 4E005687-FA56-45F3-99FE-AB4714EA6882
@Leroof posted:

Question arises. Were  A237858B-4CC3-4233-8683-938113C6351C

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

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

3.  cool looking pack!

1. Not entirely sure, but I would guess "yes"; similar era. I found a Marnold catalog (on line) which is dated 1960. I do know Walthers featured that line in their catalogs into the 1970s. The "Dual" MRC I posted is pre zip code, so it was made prior to 1963.

2. These are capable of powering my All Nation Ten Wheeler(s), so I would again guess "yes". As I mentioned, they also can handle the older universal type motors in the American Flyer S scale and the few Lionel Standard Gauge pieces I have.

3. Thanks. For whatever reason I really like the look of these older units... 🙂

Mark in Oregon

Last edited by Strummer

One last unit, I promise!

I picked this up at a train show (few and far between here) about 15 years ago; think I gave 10 bucks for it:

#1

Here's the "guts" of it, hooked up to an Aurora slot car pack from the '60s:

#2

...and the handheld, with the 2 Aurora packs I would typically use:

#3

(I might mention I picked up another handheld through eBay early this year, but the battery contacts were in such bad condition that it was useless...)

Odd thing about those Aurora packs: the smaller one (DC 2) is rated at 20V and came with their HO sets, whereas the larger one (DC 3) is "only" 18V and came with their 1/32 sets...and yes, I'm old enough to have participated in the slot car craze of the 1960s...

Aurora Mustang

Mark in Oregon

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  • #1
  • #2
  • #3
  • Aurora Mustang
@PRRMP54 posted:

A different hogger:

Hogger throttle--01Hogger throttle--02

A friend swears by these for his HO and I liked it also when I ran his trains on a visit so I was able to get one for myself. It is the hi current version, the lower current one is blue.

You reminded me that I have two of these as well!  It is sad when I don't remember what I have in my collection until someone posts a photo of it.  I don't think mine have the remotes though.  They came from a TCA Desert Division Auction and being one of the only DC operators in the club has its benefits!

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

Testify!!

Want another one?...rekindle those "fond memories"???

That single knob MRC with exposed circuit breaker served well...in its day.  I even have the popsicle stick I kept handy as a kid to reset the breaker...still taped to the side in 'quick-draw' readiness.

Probably should replace the line cord, though.

Have NO idea why I still have it.  Laziness?  Sentiment?  Dunno.  Got it in a box of 'stuff' my Dad picked up from an fellow office worker about 70 years ago who gave up his early HO adventures.  Included a Penn Line K4 (sans headlight casting) that ran like silk...put my Mantua Mikado (kit-built) to shame in the running quality, for sure.

Time to put it in the 'metal-man-scrap-heap' we leave at the curb occasionally a day ahead of trash pickup.  Someone always scoops that pile up.  Ferro-fetish, I guess.  That and about 2 dozen mini-packs from HO/N starter sets.  Fall cleaning time.

Thanks for posting...for the memories!

Last edited by dkdkrd
@dkdkrd posted:

Testify!!

Want another one?...rekindle those "fond memories"???

Have NO idea why I still have it.  Laziness?  Sentiment?  Dunno...

Included a Penn Line K4 (sans headlight casting) that ran like silk...put my Mantua Mikado (kit-built) to shame in the running quality, for sure.

Thanks for posting...for the memories!

True dat; regarding the Penn Line stuff.

Mark in Oregon

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