Z Scale Power Question

I would like some opinions from this learned group about DC power for a layout. I have a couple of Marklin 67271 powerpacks, which I have used for some test running and switch testing, but I'm not crazy about the throttle response and the "feel" of the throttle. I also have a couple of the Varipulse 851 throttles by Ken Stapleton from Ontario, which in testing have worked great with a nice throttle response and momentum. I will use these on tethers for remote operations away from the panel My question is about what to use for the main layout power and as my control panel throttles. I have looked at the MRC 1300's modified for Z, and I have had good luck with MRC products in the past, but are these about the same as the Marklin power packs? I have heard good things about the Zthek throttle, but I am not crazy about the throttle knob, at least what I can see in the pictures. Are there any other power packs that work for Z? Any input would be appreciated here. Thanks.

Todd, You should get more responses than mine, but here goes for now. I have the MRC 1300 that has the 8v for Marklin and the 10v for MTL printed on the front. It allows me to run trains and accessories on my layout quite well. You mentioned the Zthek controller. I have it as well. I really like it. It's strong point is in switching and slow operations. You can make an engine crawl, very handy during uncoupling. You can't go wrong with it. Personally I like the little throttle control nob and I can walk around with it. It may not be for you, but I've not heard the nob complaint before. Either one of these power sources will work well. I'll let someone else get in here. Cheers, Jim CCRR

Hi Todd:

You guys have named the more popular US offerings, with only the Joerger controlers from Germany left out. These are compairable with the Ztech, which is the hand held that most folks like.... thank you Lajos, nice product.

The real answer i think is that DC is DC, and that any transformer will work provided you don't give your locos more than 10volts DC. I have an old railpower transformer from my childhood HO set that i still use for my test tack, and all iv done is to mark the throtle at its 10 volt output so i don't over-volt my locos. So as long as you test the transformers output and restrict its use over 10volts then your safe.

As a side note. I still have one of the older blue Marklin transformers from the 70-80's and it is better than the newer white ones. You may try picking up one of these off ebay. The throtle responce is better, but probibly still not as good as the ztech unit, which is the best for slow speed yard work.

Tony B...
Wasatch Z Club

You can easily take the Zthek apart, like the Varipulse and mount it any way you want with any knob. Same with the Jörger controller. Any power pack will do but the smart electronic ones will greatly improve low speed running and you can mount them within the panel rather than on top.

And you don't have to worry about the 10V as 1) I am sure you really don't run them at 200+ MPH and 2) the motors will take it for a few minutes.


Jeff

One thing that no one has mentioned yet is amperage for the packs. The white Marklin pack looks like is rated for .8 amps and so far it is fine for double locos. I can't find any data on the MRC 1300 for amperage, but I assume it is somewhat higher. What is the amp draw of typical Z scale locomotives, and is that something I even have to worry about?

Thanks for your help guys,

Todd

I'm going to answer my own question and post it as an FYI for other newbies here. I found the MRC 1300 amp rating at 7 VA on a hobby shop site, or about .7 amps output at 10 volts if I am converting it correctly. I also found an Model Railroader review of the MT GP35 that showed an amp draw of .27 amps at 9v, and about .2 amps at 7v or less, which means there is more than enough amperage for two mu'd powered locomotives if the gp35 is typical of a z scale loco.

I remember seeing a z scale display layout at the World's Greatest Hobby show here in Chicago last year, and he was using a Kato N scale power pack. Its kind of an expensive critter, but he let me try it out and it seemed to be a nice unit, even if it is rated a little high at 12 volts. Anyone else use this one?

Todd

Todd, Thanks. This is good info. Cheers, Jim CCRR:cheer:

That MR review of 0,27amps is crazy. They draw <<<0.1A Or should !!!

ANY power pack should run MANY (as in simultaneously) Z locos. The limitations are:
Märklin locos draw commonly at least 0.1A and typically 0.2 or more.
MTL F7s (only) draw about the same so you can only run a few of these at the same time and you will notice a slight slow down when you add the next loco as the power supplies are not regulated.

MTL GP9 and GP35 draw <<<0.1A, same with AZL GP7, SD70/75 and also their brass locos. For these locos, you can pretty much run as many as you can watch go around.

Light bulbs (MTL F7, Märklin locos) draw more current than the MTL GPs or AZL's GP or SD's. About .05 to 0.1 depending on voltage.

With any of the power packs, as long as the loco is running properly (CLEAN AND LUBE YOUR LOCOS), you should be be able to run it at over voltage conditions as I am sure you realize that it is way over scale speed !!!

Marklin's motors require periodic lubing due to heat. They also should be cleaned. MTL and AZL products (except MTL F7) do not require any motor maintenance (they are sealed), only clean and lube of the trucks and worm gears.

Jeff