Thanks for all the helpful feedback and suggestions relating to my question.
Right away I started checking speeds at measured voltage settings, and, of
course, as was pointed out, you get ridiculous speeds anywhere near maximum
voltage when there are no loads. 5 volts is nice. So, you are all right, there
is really nothing for (even a beginner) to worry about. One interesting thing I
noted: My older Marklin Z transformer (Blue style) has a measured max of 10
volts. My newer Marklin Z (White style-0-200 scale) has 15 volts at the 200
setting. An F7 will start flying at that level. That puzzles me, but this may
relate to some of the recent messages that are showing up on this topic. The
unit is supposed to be max 10 volts and is marked as such. My just purchased
MTL-modified Railpower 1300 has a measured max of 9.5 volts and is 8volts at the
8V index.

I intend to check out the other transformers and sources mentioned in the
responses.
Thanks again.
Luckykid


--- In z_scale@yahoogroups.com, "Garth" <garth.a.hamilton@...> wrote:
>
> Like John says you do not need anywhere near the max voltage from any power
pack designed for Z. The main concern in my book is the amperage  put out by the
power pack in the instance of a short. Too high and the heat will destroy a Z
motor in micro seconds by the time you smell it it is too late.
>
> My preference is for controllers/throttles that are transistorized, of which
there are several available. I prefer 8 to 9v input a 350 to 500 milliamps so I
can run as many as three engines on the point as long as they are not MTL F7's
comfortably. The 270 degree rotation of the control means that I have plenty of
speed control and can finely adjust it over about 100-110 degrees of rotation it
takes to deliver about 3.5-4 vdc, which is about the max speed I run with most
of the engines I have. The only one that takes less is the Japanese D51 Mikado
which I run at about 2.5vdc for the speed I want. The MTL F7 takes a bit more
than that at 5.5 to 6 vdc.
>
> I have used the Marklin power pack and the MRC 1300 but once I purchased the
transistorized ones from Zthek and Joeger I never went back to using the older
ones. The other advantage to these transistorized throttles is they can be run
off of battery power or the mains with a wall transformer. I can usually run one
train all day at a show on one 9vdc battery and the controllers are hand held. I
have a battery pack with 4 x 9vdc batteries in parrallel and that will last me
several shows like 4 to 6 two day shows depending on how far apart they are. One
of the Zthek models even has room for a 9vdc battery inside the hand controller.
>
>
> cheerz
> Garth
>
>
>
> --- In z_scale@yahoogroups.com, "john_ztrains" <john@> wrote:
> >
> > In theory this could give you a headache but in practice I've found that
running virtually any Z scale locomotive in the 8V+ range will result in trains
traveling very, very fast. Too fast and I find they can look a bit sill at these
high speeds.
> >
> > Even when you test similar locos side by side... a similar amount of juice
will have them, more likely than not, running at different speeds with DC.
> >
> > My guess is if you set your locos running at a speed that you find fairly
realistic then check the power on your rails with a basic meter you won't by
anywhere near the top end of the safe ranges for either loco.
> >
> > Not an overly technical answer I realize but I always tend to take specs
with a grain of salt.
> >
> > On the power pack itself, Marklins are fine but the MRC1300 has more
discreet power steps for a wider range of speeds and smoother acceleration and
deceleration... the Marklin is a bit course for me. My choice for the past few
years has been the Snail Speed controller:
> >
> > http://www.ztrackcenter.com/electronics
> >
> > I like the 9VDC version and keep rechargeable batteries on hand with a high
mAh rating.
> >
> > John Cubbin
> > Ztrains.com
> > http://www.ztrains.com
> >
>

Get the Zthek "snail speed controller.............those on this forum that have
been running DC as "purist" use that controller for good reason. Precise no
chatter protypical speed control. Get yourself a digital display DC current
meter so you can read actual voltage to the track as you apply it. There are
some really nice low cost meters on the auction sites including shipping from
all places, China.


Don



-----Original Message-----
From: luckykid43 <luckykid43@...>
To: z_scale@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Fri, Jun 25, 2010 10:54 am
Subject: [Z_Scale] Re: Marklin and MTL power requirements




Thanks for all the helpful feedback and suggestions relating to my question.
Right away I started checking speeds at measured voltage settings, and, of
course, as was pointed out, you get ridiculous speeds anywhere near maximum
voltage when there are no loads. 5 volts is nice. So, you are all right, there
is really nothing for (even a beginner) to worry about. One interesting thing I
noted: My older Marklin Z transformer (Blue style) has a measured max of 10
volts. My newer Marklin Z (White style-0-200 scale) has 15 volts at the 200
setting. An F7 will start flying at that level. That puzzles me, but this may
relate to some of the recent messages that are showing up on this topic. The
unit is supposed to be max 10 volts and is marked as such. My just purchased
MTL-modified Railpower 1300 has a measured max of 9.5 volts and is 8volts at the
8V index.

I intend to check out the other transformers and sources mentioned in the
responses.
Thanks again.
Luckykid

--- In z_scale@yahoogroups.com, "Garth" <garth.a.hamilton@...> wrote:
>
> Like John says you do not need anywhere near the max voltage from any power
pack designed for Z. The main concern in my book is the amperage put out by the
power pack in the instance of a short. Too high and the heat will destroy a Z
motor in micro seconds by the time you smell it it is too late.
>
> My preference is for controllers/throttles that are transistorized, of which
there are several available. I prefer 8 to 9v input a 350 to 500 milliamps so I
can run as many as three engines on the point as long as they are not MTL F7's
comfortably. The 270 degree rotation of the control means that I have plenty of
speed control and can finely adjust it over about 100-110 degrees of rotation it
takes to deliver about 3.5-4 vdc, which is about the max speed I run with most
of the engines I have. The only one that takes less is the Japanese D51 Mikado
which I run at about 2.5vdc for the speed I want. The MTL F7 takes a bit more
than that at 5.5 to 6 vdc.
>
> I have used the Marklin power pack and the MRC 1300 but once I purchased the
transistorized ones from Zthek and Joeger I never went back to using the older
ones. The other advantage to these transistorized throttles is they can be run
off of battery power or the mains with a wall transformer. I can usually run one
train all day at a show on one 9vdc battery and the controllers are hand held. I
have a battery pack with 4 x 9vdc batteries in parrallel and that will last me
several shows like 4 to 6 two day shows depending on how far apart they are. One
of the Zthek models even has room for a 9vdc battery inside the hand controller.
>
>
> cheerz
> Garth
>
>
>
> --- In z_scale@yahoogroups.com, "john_ztrains" <john@> wrote:
> >
> > In theory this could give you a headache but in practice I've found that
running virtually any Z scale locomotive in the 8V+ range will result in trains
traveling very, very fast. Too fast and I find they can look a bit sill at these
high speeds.
> >
> > Even when you test similar locos side by side... a similar amount of juice
will have them, more likely than not, running at different speeds with DC.
> >
> > My guess is if you set your locos running at a speed that you find fairly
realistic then check the power on your rails with a basic meter you won't by
anywhere near the top end of the safe ranges for either loco.
> >
> > Not an overly technical answer I realize but I always tend to take specs
with a grain of salt.
> >
> > On the power pack itself, Marklins are fine but the MRC1300 has more
discreet power steps for a wider range of speeds and smoother acceleration and
deceleration... the Marklin is a bit course for me. My choice for the past few
years has been the Snail Speed controller:
> >
> > http://www.ztrackcenter.com/electronics
> >
> > I like the 9VDC version and keep rechargeable batteries on hand with a high
mAh rating.
> >
> > John Cubbin
> > Ztrains.com
> > http://www.ztrains.com
> >
>







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

well considering that marklin won that placing in the Guinness Book of Records
in 1978 when a Märklin Z scale locomotive pulling six coaches traveled a
distance of 720 km, and ran continually for 1,219 hours before the train quit
running (unquote). I'm wondering what voltage/amps they ran it at to achieve
that, even if it was an older 3 pole motor, im betting they figured out the
power requirements just right for the longest run.

marklin also did another one in 2007 with 200 in groups of 4 (on seperate
trackage) H.O loco's pulling a real 1:1 german open seating IC car 10 meters...

Leigh

On Fri, 25 Jun 2010 20:21:39 -0000
"flyerbait" <flyerbait@...> wrote:

> well considering that marklin won that placing in the Guinness Book of Records
in 1978 when a Märklin Z scale locomotive pulling six coaches traveled a
distance of 720 km, and ran continually for 1,219 hours before the train quit
running (unquote). I'm wondering what voltage/amps they ran it at to achieve
that, even if it was an older 3 pole motor, im betting they figured out the
power requirements just right for the longest run.

The marklin stuff - and especially the old controller and 3 pole motor
are very bad at low speed. The new stuff is better but its definitely
happier whizzing around than crawling at prototypical US train speeds.

OTOH I was really impressed with the slow running of the MTL GP45.

Alan

Kinda off the subject, i.e. the transformer and electronic control.

That's an average speed of 80 scale miles per hour.

Anyway, any other light to be shed on the controllers? maybe someone will put an
ampmeter in line and see what the current does under load... maybe some kind of
"soft" circuit breaker?

Regards, Greg
-------------------------------
> On Fri, 25 Jun 2010 20:21:39 -0000
> "flyerbait" <flyerbait@...> wrote:
>
> > well considering that marklin won that placing in the Guinness Book of
Records in 1978 when a Märklin Z scale locomotive pulling six coaches traveled a
distance of 720 km, and ran continually for 1,219 hours before the train quit
running (unquote). I'm wondering what voltage/amps they ran it at to achieve
that, even if it was an older 3 pole motor, im betting they figured out the
power requirements just right for the longest run.

Could our Z friends in the Milwaukee area suggest a family dining spot ( read,,,
inexpensive ) where all of the ZEDHEADS at the NTS ,who wish too, can get
together on Saturday  night ?
Cordially,
Mister Dave

Sent from my iPhone


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

--- In z_scale@yahoogroups.com, "trainssd" <greg@...> wrote:
>
> Do you mean like current limiting?
>
> That should be easy to test. Interesting.
>
> I've never seen any specs on locos on what constant current at a rotor lock
condition is.
>
> Would be nice to know.
>
> Greg
>
> --- In z_scale@yahoogroups.com, Alan Cox <alan@> wrote:
> >
> > Exactly what its doing is hard to tell, but it isn't behaving as a
> > straight resistance controller, and it won't for example supply 10v high
> > power more than momentarily.
> >
>If you look at the newer MRC DC packs, many have fancy features like momemtum
controls & other programs. Works OK for HO-N DC locos. Some N-HO locos have a
dual DCC/DC chip. None of that is on the MRC 1300. It would be nice if MRC would
make a low power pack for Z locos. IIRC puls power makes too much heat for Z
motors.

--- In z_scale@yahoogroups.com, Alan Cox <alan@...> wrote:
>
> On Thu, 24 Jun 2010 23:28:50 -0000
> "luckykid43" <luckykid43@...> wrote:
>
> However, I have been told many times that a Marklin should not be run with
more than 8 volts but an MTL can handle 10. This fits with the dial indexing on
the MTL-modified RailPower 1300 transformer: 8V Marklin; 10V MTL.

I posted this question over on the Zscale Electronics, but never really got a
satisfactory question: My MTL-modified MRC1300 causes a 60hz buzz in the engines
as they go around the track.

If I apply a capacitor to the output to smooth the buzz, the voltage jumps up to
nearly 18 volts.  This tells me that the MRC1300 is actually putting out 18v
with a duty cycle that keeps the average below 10v.

Has anyone else seen (heard) this problem? Or is my MRC1300 defective?

I'd open the unit up and look for defects inside, but someone at MRC had the
great idea of using a triangular screw head.

Only MTL has a special tool for removing the knob.....I found out the hard
way.
Loren




-------Original Message-------

From: StonyS
Date: 6/26/2010 8:25:28 AM
To: z_scale@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Z_Scale] Re: Marklin and MTL power requirements


I'd open the unit up and look for defects inside, but someone at MRC had the
great idea of using a triangular screw head.



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

You mean a hammer does not work anymore?

Drat!

hahahahaha

Greg

--- In z_scale@yahoogroups.com, "Loren Snyder" <ljsnyder@...> wrote:
>
> Only MTL has a special tool for removing the knob.....I found out the hard
> way.
> Loren

No Greg,
A hammer is used to inadvertently smash one's thumb when being overly
zealous  while thinking the hammer is a cure all for any job.  Again......
been there, done that.  Ouch !!
Loren




-------Original Message-------

From: trainssd
Date: 6/26/2010 10:45:35 AM
To: z_scale@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Z_Scale] Re: Marklin and MTL power requirements

You mean a hammer does not work anymore?

Drat!

hahahahaha

Greg

--- In z_scale@yahoogroups.com, "Loren Snyder" <ljsnyder@...> wrote:
>
> Only MTL has a special tool for removing the knob.....I found out the hard
> way.
> Loren





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Older Marklin motors have  max 8v - the newer ones  max at 10v. I know this
because I have recently puchased  a new loco 88584 and instructions say 0 -10v..
When I look at the instructions for the older  ones  they say 2 - 8v. However 
maximum speed is rediculously fast on the older locos.. Running 4 - 6v  would
the norm for constant running.Also depends on loco's gearing.  My new loco runs
quite slow which is good ,  Could have something to do with the difference
between 3 pole and 5 pole motors

Ralph


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Removing oddball screws (probably just pointing out the obvious):
Hammering and prying tend to destroy the object acted upon. The
machinist's method is to drill a hole in the bolt or screw and screw in
an extractor which allows you to twist out the offending item.

The simpler and non-percussive technique is to file or grind an old
screwdriver to the right shape and take out the screws. Another method
is to use a drill bit slightly larger than the head and drill the top
off the screw.  Then you have to twist out the screws with pliers. In
either case replace with 'normal' shaped ones.

I have one rule when dismantling electrical devices or machines: Don't
take it apart if you don't know how to fix it or handle it safely.
Unless you just want to see what is inside and makes it go.

Ken Armstrong
Irmo, SC

Ken,
It is not just the screws that must be removed with a special tool, the
actual control knob will not come off without MTL's special 'control knob
removing tool'.  You can't make a tool at home that does the trick. I had to
take my MRC1300 to MTL to have them remove the knob.
Loren




-------Original Message-------

From: Ken Armstrong
Date: 6/27/2010 7:06:31 AM
To: z_scale@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Z_Scale] Marklin and MTL power requirements

Removing oddball screws (probably just pointing out the obvious):
Hammering and prying tend to destroy the object acted upon. The
machinist's method is to drill a hole in the bolt or screw and screw in
an extractor which allows you to twist out the offending item.

The simpler and non-percussive technique is to file or grind an old
screwdriver to the right shape and take out the screws. Another method
is to use a drill bit slightly larger than the head and drill the top
off the screw.  Then you have to twist out the screws with pliers. In
either case replace with 'normal' shaped ones.

I have one rule when dismantling electrical devices or machines: Don't
take it apart if you don't know how to fix it or handle it safely.
Unless you just want to see what is inside and makes it go.

Ken Armstrong
Irmo, SC



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Loren,
I admit I have never opened or looked closely at a MTL modified
controller. In the MRC controllers I have opened, all the electronics
were accessible through the base. Not sure why you would need to remove
the knob unless to replace the pot.  But I would  then use cuss words
and a Dremel cutter.

Or chuck the whole thing and buy something more user friendly. Sounds
like a device designed by a liability lawyer or marketing department.
For a manufacturer the line between being responsible and allowing
access can be very narrow.
Ken

Stony, the Capacitor charges to the peak of the rectified AC voltage. Basic DC
voltmeters will more easily read this peak voltage. This will be applied to the
motor BUT if you were use an oscilloscope, you would see that the STANDARD DC
Power packs (from Märklin, MRC, etc. basic, starter set,) put out unfiltered or
only slighly filtered DC so this peak voltage only occurs a very small
proportion of the time.

The 60HZ 'buzz' you hear are these pulses.  Nothign to orry about. Again, 100's
of thousands of locos running for almost 40 years now on these power packs. 
Just maintain your locos (one or 2 VERY small drops of proper oil, per the
instructions and your locos will last a LONG time.

To reinforce this, those of us with DCC equiped systems are supplying upwards of
12V to the motor and running them the same 1000's of hours.

Just run your trains as you would, enjoy the view.

Jeff
SF Bay Area Z


--- In z_scale@yahoogroups.com, "StonyS" <stonysmith@...> wrote:
>
>
>
> --- In z_scale@yahoogroups.com, Alan Cox <alan@> wrote:
> >
> > On Thu, 24 Jun 2010 23:28:50 -0000
> > "luckykid43" <luckykid43@> wrote:
> >
> > However, I have been told many times that a Marklin should not be run with
more than 8 volts but an MTL can handle 10. This fits with the dial indexing on
the MTL-modified RailPower 1300 transformer: 8V Marklin; 10V MTL.
>
> I posted this question over on the Zscale Electronics, but never really got a
satisfactory question: My MTL-modified MRC1300 causes a 60hz buzz in the engines
as they go around the track.
>
> If I apply a capacitor to the output to smooth the buzz, the voltage jumps up
to nearly 18 volts.  This tells me that the MRC1300 is actually putting out 18v
with a duty cycle that keeps the average below 10v.
>
> Has anyone else seen (heard) this problem? Or is my MRC1300 defective?
>
> I'd open the unit up and look for defects inside, but someone at MRC had the
great idea of using a triangular screw head.
>

Ken,
I should have clarified my intent when I mentioned the knob issue.  I was
considering taking two packs and making a new housing to end up with a dual
pack.  Once I had the parts all laid out, I decided it wasn't worth the
effort to custom make a case.

Scratched that idea.

Loren




-------Original Message-------

From: Ken Armstrong
Date: 06/28/10 08:55:56
To: z_scale@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Z_Scale] Re: Marklin and MTL power requirements

Loren,
I admit I have never opened or looked closely at a MTL modified
controller. In the MRC controllers I have opened, all the electronics
were accessible through the base. Not sure why you would need to remove
the knob unless to replace the pot.  But I would  then use cuss words
and a Dremel cutter.

Or chuck the whole thing and buy something more user friendly. Sounds
like a device designed by a liability lawyer or marketing department.
For a manufacturer the line between being responsible and allowing
access can be very narrow.
Ken



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

> I have one rule when dismantling electrical devices or machines: Don't take it
apart if you don't know how to fix it or handle it safely. Unless you just want
to see what is inside and makes it go.

I've got 40 years of experience taking things apart (and reassembling them
successfully), so no worry there...

To move the discussion back to my original question.. has anyone noticed a
buzzing when using the MRC1300 with a GP35 or a F7?

Stony,

Haven't noticed anything personally, but then again, I'm pretty deaf....
LOL

Loren




-------Original Message-------

From: StonyS
Date: 06/28/10 11:37:58
To: z_scale@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Z_Scale] Re: Marklin and MTL power requirements

> I have one rule when dismantling electrical devices or machines: Don't
take it apart if you don't know how to fix it or handle it safely. Unless
you just want to see what is inside and makes it go.

I've got 40 years of experience taking things apart (and reassembling them
successfully), so no worry there...

To move the discussion back to my original question.. has anyone noticed a
buzzing when using the MRC1300 with a GP35 or a F7?





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

ZTRACK RESALE BREAKING NEWS - 6/28/10!!!

Ztrack Resale has expanded again! Two new collections have been brought in,
as well as a complete inventory from a dealer that is ceasing their model
train sales. We have over 130 Micro-Trains freight cars that are new in the
box, never run!!! Highlights from these collections include a Marklin Mikado
starter set that is new in the box, Pennzee PRR 4 car 3-bay hopper sets, AZL
Rio Grande SD40T-2 locomotives, FR BNSF Gundersons and new in box track and
turnouts from MTL!

We have not posted these item as of yet, but are giving Z scalers first
opportunity to download the Excel spread sheet of the new listings. You can
find the sheet at:

http://www.ztrackresale.com/peek/

To order, please email us at ztrack@.... Please send us your request
list. Items are reserved on a first come basis. Grayed out items are already
reserved. Quantities are limited. Standard shipping and handling rates apply.


Rob



Ztrack Magazine Ltd.
6142 Northcliff Blvd.
Dublin, OH 43016
phone/fax: (614) 764-1703
www.ztrack.com
www.ztrackcenter.com
Distributor American Z Line


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

NOTE: CORRECTED POST.

Ztrack Magazine and Full Throttle are proud to bring the iconic coal hauler
railroad Clinchfield to Z scale. The Clinchfield served the coal fields of
Virginia and Kentucky as well as the textile mills of South Carolina. It
connected with such stoic roads as the C&O, ACL, L&N, and Seaboard Coast
Line.

To commemorate this line, we have released a special set of Clinchfield
two-bay offset-side hoppers. The Full Throttle cars feature AZL Bettendorf
trucks with blackened metal wheels and Hay Bros Garage coal loads.

This limited edition release is only available through Ztrack Magazine.
Two, two-car sets with unique road numbers are available.

Set 1 - road numbers 51703, 51729 - $46.00
Set 2 - road numbers 51706, 51768 - $46.00
Both sets, special price - $88.00!

Order today, don't miss out on this special release! To order please visit:

http://www.ztrack.com/offers/clinchfield/index.html

Ztrack Subscribers will receive $2.50 off shipping and handling. User
voucher 'hopper'.

This is the second Ztrack / Full Throttle exclusive release. In 2009,
Ztrack teamed
with Full Throttle to release Monon two-bay offset side hoppers. Ztrack has
three of
these two-packs still available. You can order these at:

http://www.ztrackcenter.com/special/index.html

Rob Kluz



Ztrack Magazine Ltd.
6142 Northcliff Blvd.
Dublin, OH 43016
phone/fax: (614) 764-1703
www.ztrack.com
www.ztrackcenter.com
Distributor American Z Line


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I admit that I just skimmed this release, but I don't see where FR fits in. 
Isn't this a ZT/FT thing?




________________________________
From: "ztrack@..." <ztrack@...>
To: z_scale@yahoogroups.com
Cc: holger.spaeing@...; jennifer@...
Sent: Mon, June 28, 2010 9:03:17 PM
Subject: [Z_Scale] Ztrack 2010 Exclusive FR release - Clinchfield!



Ztrack Magazine and Full Throttle are proud to bring the iconic coal hauler
railroad Clinchfield to Z scale. The Clinchfield served the coal fields of
Virginia and Kentucky as well as the textile mills of South Carolina. It
connected with such stoic roads as the C&O, ACL, L&N, and Seaboard Coast Line.

To commemorate this line, we have released a special set of Clinchfield
two-bay offset-side hoppers. The Full Throttle cars feature AZL Bettendorf
trucks with blackened metal wheels and Hay Bros Garage coal loads.

This limited edition release is only available through Ztrack Magazine.
Two, two-car sets with unique road numbers are available.

Set 1 - road numbers 51703, 51729 - $46.00
Set 2 - road numbers 51706, 51768 - $46.00
Both sets, special price - $88.00!

Order today, don't miss out on this special release! To order please visit:

http://www.ztrack.com/offers/clinchfield/index.html

Ztrack Subscribers will receive $2.50 off shipping and handling. User
voucher 'hopper'.

This is the second Ztrack / FR exclusive release. In 2009, Ztrack teamed
with FR to release Monon two-bay offset side hoppers. Ztrack has three of
these two-packs still available. You can order these at:

http://www.ztrackcenter.com/special/index.html

Rob Kluz

Ztrack Magazine Ltd.
6142 Northcliff Blvd.
Dublin, OH 43016
phone/fax: (614) 764-1703
www.ztrack.com
www.ztrackcenter.com
Distributor American Z Line

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Yes, this is a Full Throttle release all of the way!!! Sorry for the typo
and confusion. We did send out a corrected announcement last night.

Rob

Ztrack Magazine Ltd.
6142 Northcliff Blvd.
Dublin, OH 43016
phone/fax: (614) 764-1703
www.ztrack.com
www.ztrackcenter.com
Distributor American Z Line


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Not many things to add to what has been told before. Myself I'm using a Passmann
controller instead of the 8V Miniclub powerpack I started with. As the starting
voltage on the Marklin powerpack made my AZL and MTL locos start such as a hot
rod and stop such as a F18 on USS Nimitz aircraft carrier's'decK, I'm able to
have my locos crawl at a scale man walking speed with Passmann's. And about loco
speed, my 1st generation SD70s run at a low 40 scale mph under 8 volts, so one
has to be careful.
Dom

Dom, you are one lucky dog. You got the switcher version of the SD70. :D

John
----- Original Message -----
From: "de Champeaux Dominique" <ddechamp71@...>
To: <z_scale@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 29, 2010 3:52 PM
Subject: Réf.: [Z_Scale] Re: Marklin and MTL power requirements


> Not many things to add to what has been told before. Myself I'm using a
> Passmann controller instead of the 8V Miniclub powerpack I started with.
> As the starting voltage on the Marklin powerpack made my AZL and MTL locos
> start such as a hot rod and stop such as a F18 on USS Nimitz aircraft
> carrier's'decK, I'm able to have my locos crawl at a scale man walking
> speed with Passmann's. And about loco speed, my 1st generation SD70s run
> at a low 40 scale mph under 8 volts, so one has to be careful.
> Dom
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Z-scale:  minimum siZe, MAXIMUM enjoyment!
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

July 2010 issue, p76: a nice scene from a Z scale layout in the "Trackside
Photo" section. Recognition at last?

Dom

Le mar. 29 juin 2010 22:50 CEST, John Mui a écrit :

>Dom, you are one lucky dog. You got the switcher version of the SD70. :D
>
>John
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "de Champeaux Dominique" <ddechamp71@...>
>To: <z_scale@yahoogroups.com>
>Sent: Tuesday, June 29, 2010 3:52 PM
>Subject: Réf.: [Z_Scale] Re: Marklin and MTL power requirements
>
>
>> Not many things to add to what has been told before. Myself I'm using a
>> Passmann controller instead of the 8V Miniclub powerpack I started with.
>> As the starting voltage on the Marklin powerpack made my AZL and MTL locos
>> start such as a hot rod and stop such as a F18 on USS Nimitz aircraft
>> carrier's'decK, I'm able to have my locos crawl at a scale man walking
>> speed with Passmann's. And about loco speed, my 1st generation SD70s run
>> at a low 40 scale mph under 8 volts, so one has to be careful.
>> Dom
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------------
>>
>> Z-scale:  minimum siZe, MAXIMUM enjoyment!
>> Yahoo! Groups Links
>>
>>
>>
>

Yes John, I'm definitely fond of my SD70s and their terrific low speed
performance!

(To all here: sorry for the previous message, I used the quick reply function on
my brand new cellular phone, forgetting to delete the previous message that had
nothing top deal with...)

Dom

Le mar. 29 juin 2010 22:50 CEST, John Mui a écrit :

>Dom, you are one lucky dog. You got the switcher version of the SD70. :D
>
>John
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "de Champeaux Dominique" <ddechamp71@...>
>To: <z_scale@yahoogroups.com>
>Sent: Tuesday, June 29, 2010 3:52 PM
>Subject: Réf.: [Z_Scale] Re: Marklin and MTL power requirements
>
>
>> Not many things to add to what has been told before. Myself I'm using a
>> Passmann controller instead of the 8V Miniclub powerpack I started with.
>> As the starting voltage on the Marklin powerpack made my AZL and MTL locos
>> start such as a hot rod and stop such as a F18 on USS Nimitz aircraft
>> carrier's'decK, I'm able to have my locos crawl at a scale man walking
>> speed with Passmann's. And about loco speed, my 1st generation SD70s run
>> at a low 40 scale mph under 8 volts, so one has to be careful.
>> Dom
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------------
>>
>> Z-scale:  minimum siZe, MAXIMUM enjoyment!
>> Yahoo! Groups Links
>>
>>
>>
>

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING MICRO-TRAINS AND SANDA KAN MANUFACTURING IN CHINA

Dear Micro-Trains Dealer,

As you may have heard, Sanda Kan, a large manufacturer in China, has just
recently consolidated its business by announcing that they are dropping many of
their customers. Micro-Trains is one of the customers that they will no longer
be doing business with, however this will only affect a few of our products.


The only items temporarily affected by this change is our N scale FT
Locomotives, Z scale Locomotives (GP-35, GP-9, SD40-2) and Z scale Micro-Track.
All other products will be unaffected as they are produced in-house at our
factory here in Oregon. We are not certain of the full impact this will have on
the few items above, but it is possible that there will be some delays and that
some items will have to go on back order for a period of time.


We are actively working to find alternate sources for these items so we can
avoid or minimize any delays. We feel fortunate to be able to produce so much of
our product here at our factory and wanted to inform you how this affects our
company and the products we offer you.

Thanks for your continued support of Micro-Trains and our products.

Sincerely,

Ben Thielemann
Marketing Director
Micro-Trains Line Co

American Z Line has released two new PS2-cd covered hoppers for July.

The first release is an Illinois Central / Canadian National PS2-cd covered
hopper. A runner pack of four cars and a single car has been released. The
runner pack is item 90906-1. The road numbers are 769242, 769245, 769259,
769343. The single car is item 91906-1. The road number is 769384.

AZL has also released a PS2-cd covered hopper for the Grand Trunk Western
railroad.   A runner pack of four cars and a single car has been released.
The runner pack is item 90910-1. The road numbers are 138204, 138256, 138273,
138392. The single car is 91910-1. The road number is 138422.

Images of the cars can be found at:

http://www.ztrack.com/AZL/amerzlines.html

Contact your authorized AZL dealer to order.

Rob Kluz



Ztrack Magazine Ltd.
6142 Northcliff Blvd.
Dublin, OH 43016
phone/fax: (614) 764-1703
www.ztrack.com
www.ztrackcenter.com
Distributor American Z Line


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Just ordered the new NCE Cab 06.  This is a small hand-held like the 04 but now
with a mini-display to show the selected Cab # and Funciton status, something
the Cab04 lacked. You were running blind.

http://www.tonystrains.com/products/img/showimage.html?NCE
Cab06|nce|1|1|cab-06-600.jpg

This is great for yards.  I'll try one on my add-on side yard for now since it
has manual turnouts.

Jeff
SF Bay Area Z