Model Railway Forum

Hello,
What's the purpose of this device and how does it work ? Thanks.



https://www.hornby.com/uk-en/analogue-t ... oller.html

Its a DC Loco controller with a accessory outlet as description, what dont you understand ?

I have a grey one. It works but don't expect any thrills. It is anoying to use as you have to turn the knob to be exactly zero before you can change direction and worse then that, if you have a short circuit there is no visual indication and once you have fathomed out that there has been a short, you have to switch off the mains current and wait 25 to 30 seconds before it will reset. So if one has a short or a loco issue it takes ages to find out what the issue is!
Another issue is (I only had one as part of a set sonit is not my main controller... I used it for testing) the transformer wire has cracked and both wires can touch and short out as the rubber grommet is more like plastic and is quits stiff, so unless I can open the transformer up (It is not made to open) and resolder the wire a little shorter to make it safe to use, mine can't be used.
My advice is to look for a slightly more expensive controller. If you like Hornby I once had a H&M 2000 which was ok. Guagemaster are good. Guagemaster Combi are the budget versions and those who have one seem happy with them. An old H&M Clipper or Duette are good but if buying old secondhand controllers, get them checked for safety. Avoid the Hornby R900 and the R901 slave controller. They look good but they don't last. The cheaper R911 were low powered but in my view were more successful then the new controller you had in the picture. An old Triang/Hornby R915 were not bad if one gets it checked over for safety... I used to have a more modern Hornby version in a tough plastic which was good. I once had a H&M 3000 which was a controller that only powered a single track but had seemingly everything possible for DC control. Variable inertia, variable brake etc... If you look at a pic and realize that it is a single track controller then you will know what overkill is.
Old AGW controllers were well made.
For todays controllers that you can buy new, Morley or Gaugemaster are both decent choices for DC operation.

Thanks for your help.

This is an updated version of the grey one, in fact it is an updated version of the one that replaced the grey one.

Surely you should always stop a loco before changing the direction.

Walkingthedog wrote: ↑Mon Jan 14, 2019 4:08 pm This is an updated version of the grey one, in fact it is an updated version of the one that replaced the grey one.

So it's an old controller in a new box ?

No I believe it’s a new controller.

One assumes that when something is updated they don’t just change the box. If that were the case we would all be driving Model T Fords with posh bodywork.

Walkingthedog wrote: ↑Mon Jan 14, 2019 4:09 pm Surely you should always stop a loco before changing the direction.

From memory the old silver/grey one had to have the speed knob returned to the Off position before the direction switch could be slide on way or the other. Mechanically interlocked

In fact unless Hornby have done something revolutionary the former one is/was utter rubbish! Suitable for nothing more than the basic oval of track.
Dont forget these also come with a mains power pack that fits into the wall socket and provides safe low voltage to the controller.