Direct Current Power Packs for Model Trains - You May Need To Upgrade

By Daryl Clayton Kennedy

When purchasing model train sets you have a wide variety of options, some more worthy than others. In todays' competitive market the bottom line is cost! Unfortunately some of the model train manufacturers aim at the masses by producing locomotives and layouts that look good and run, but that's about all they can muster.

Manufactures of today tend to produce products that are affordable to the masses which means, they are limited in their capabilities. If you wish to add moving parts and energy consuming accessories then you will want to look into upgrading your Power Pack. The Packs that come with ready to run trains are only capable of handling the minimal amount of add ons' and accessories that come standard with the locomotive.

Solving the Problem of Under Powered Layouts

There is one name that comes to mind out of many when searching for top DC Power Packs. Model Rectifier Corporation leads the pack in DC Control and electronic model train navigation. Reliable, easy to use and affordable. MRC is you best choice when looking to add additional DC power to you layout.

MRC is not the only manufacture of these necessary devices, although they are on e of the most sought after DC Pack on the market. Other companies such as Atlas, Bachmann and Aristo-Craft provide reliable DC Power Packs for use with various model train sets.

Most modelers in the United States set up their layout in their home or apartment. This requires 110 volt outlets, other countries may differ. A un-scaved 110 volts will fry through circuits which is where your power pack comes into play. The power pack will reduce the number of volts to a figure manageable by your layout, say 18 volts or so.

The transformer is the main component of your power pack. This crucial piece in you DC pack allows the high alternating current to be transformed before your eyes into a Direct Current. This direct current is of sufficient amps to power your layout without burning a hole in your benchwork!

If your looking for advice, I'd go for a higher grade set from Kato, Atlas, Bachmann, Walthers or Micro trains. These manufactures don't make toys, they produce high quality locomotives that are worthy of our hobby. By going this route you're sure to be satisfied with the quality of your pack and its capabilities. - 31503

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