DC Controller

[IAN1955]

Hello all, In one of my previous posts I asked the question about DC or DCC and what a response, now I have decided to go with DC because to convert my Diesel Locos will cost me a fortune and as a pensioner I cannot afford it.

I have laid track and would like to see some movement just to boost my moral so in the humble opinions of the good people on here what would you recommend for a good DC controller, as for the price I do not mind paying for something that will last.

Thanks in advance
Ian

[4472]

For me it is Gaugemaster all day long

[Flashbang]

Hi
The two best UK DC controllers are produced by Gaugemaster and Morley.
Gaugemaster DC carries a lifetime warranty and is frequently cheaper from other suppliers rather than GM itself!
Morley is only sold direct.

[IAN1955]

Hi, Looked at Gaugemaster and it does look meaty, I have also seen Hornby HM 2000 whats the members think of that one

[Roger (RJ)]

Go with Gaugemaster.

Edited for typo.

[mahoganydog]

Gaugemaster first time every time.

Hornby only have a one year warranty so they don't stand by their quality!

[Bufferstop]

I've used Gaugemaster almost as long as they've been in business, the only reason I've ever emplaced them has been the introduction of newer circuit designs, can't see any reason to change.

[Bigmet]

The two best UK DC controllers are produced by Gaugemaster and Morley...

Indeed, both proven as good for the long haul.
I had Morley before I switched to DCC, and there's not a lot in it for running refinement compared to DCC, given a careful operator and scrupulous attention to rail and wheel cleanliness.

[glencairn]

Never tried Hornby HM 2000. I bought Gaugemaster and am very pleased with them.

Glencairn

[Flashbang]

The Hornby HM2000 is vastly under powered. Its Track outputs are 550 milliamp each (just over 1/2 Amp each) while GM and Morley are a minimum of 1.0Amp (1000 milliamp) each. I would advise not to purchase and go for a GM or Morley unit. You will not be disappointed!

[Buelligan]

I had a Hornby HM2000 but I didn't really like it, control wasn't very smooth, struggled to power older locos, and I get fed up of having to flick the switch for forwards and reverse. I gave it to my son and replaced it with an old H&M Duette off eBay, always liked these, can go nice and smooth and slowly, and being an old unit, has no problems running old locos.

[IAN1955]

Well a big thank you to all the replies, looks like it is Gaugemaster for me then.

Thanks
Ian

[4472]

Don't forget that even if you buy second hand they are still covered by the lifetime guarantee

[mekydro]

I've had a Tri-ang P4.5 controller since 1964 and it still works perfectly - it also has all the original parts. I now have two in running order and two as spares back-ups, just in case....... They are great for older locos, and will easily handle two Lima DMUs or Class 52s running together. The original was sold as part of a set that had a 2-car EMU as the traction.