Controllers.

Joe · Controllers.

I was wondering about peoples opinions,

What is , in your opinion, the best value for money controller?

I ask this because I need a new one for the new layout as the older ones I have arent working on either layout, well the lima one is but the scale speed on the first segment of the turn is about 156mph... not ideal.

Can anyone suggest a reasonably priced controller, thanks to Noakesy and Camborner I have taken a shine to the gaugemaster ones, either the Combi or 100, has anyone any comments on either of these and what does it take to make them fully operational on a double track mainline, ie using what wires switches and also do they have an accesory port??

Here is the combi: http://www.gaugemaster.com/item_d...COMBI&style=main&strType=

and the 100: http://www.gaugemaster.com/item_d...e=100&style=main&strType=

Thank you,

Joe

Rog (RJ)

I don't know much about Gaugemaster controllers (except that they are good quality), so I can't help much. Why not contact Gaugemaster and ask them?
Contact Gaugemaster

Even older tom

Teleman

The first one is more like a up market Hornby one with a plug in transformer where the other needs to be wired into a transformer and mains . If i was you i would go for the combi , less wiring and it has all the outputs you will need

Joe

Thanks Rog, Tom and Teleman, I knew the gaugemaster ones were good quality but until I get one I can't test (play) with one to find out how good they are, and if , as Teleman says, the Combi needs less wiring it sounds like I will like it before I get it, It's just over my Birthday budget of £30 but my Parents are kind, they will spend an extra £2 I think!

Thanks again,

Joe.

Rog (RJ)

Check whether the Gaugemaster controllers come with a transformer/power unit. I think you have to buy the transformer separately, or use one that you already have.

Teleman

The combi comes with a transformer , but the 100 its extra

Joe

Teleman is right, I checked on the website, In my local Model shop a transformer is £15 so I would rather have the more expensive Combi model, thanks

TheThing

I have an old Gaugemaster Series E Controller that was given to me. I contacted them about getting it fixed as reverse didn't work. All they asked was that I post it to them. The repairs and sending it back were free of charge. I pointed out that I hadn't bought the controller, but they still said there was no charge.

That's pretty darn fine customer service in this day and age!

RetroGoth

I would avoid the basic Bachmann power combo that is used in the sets. Very poor quality. When hooked up to a brand new track circuit, new loco and all, it didn't want to run unless it felt like.

Not a one off, either. I have two Farrish N locos to service, nothing wrong with them until I got my hands on their controller, the same thing.

The basic Hornby set controller is okay, plus it has the outputs for point motors. The new ones being put in sets now don't have this.

If you are still in need of a package, drop me a private message. I have around seven pairs of them left in stock.