:) Hi -  I have begun installing some Hornby Surface Point Motors and the instructions say you can use either 12V DC or 15-16V AC to power them.  Is one better and more reliable than the other ? I have both voltages available so I can use either.  Also the power supply that comes with the Hornby Select unit is rated at 1.5 amp and some say thats ample to run upto 3 trains at a time. Hornby have a larger 4 amp unit replacement if more amps are required. Does anyone know if I can use my 20amp power transformer to power the Select unit without blowing it up. My thoughts are the trains and accessories will only pull the amps that they need to so will having 20 amps at 12V cause a drama with the Select unit that has a 4 amp option only available.  Your thoughts please.  Regards Budslots.

Bud those  Hornby surface motors work quite well ,and give you the chanced to get the linear action in the correct line before you fix it down.
Do you know about CDU,s (capacitor discharge unit) . when relying on the point motor control they can get stuck part way ,a CDU gives that extra surge to make sure the point travels the full distance , lessons the chance of a sticky point motor burning out .

Hi Sparky -  Thanks for your reply mate. I have heard of CDU's but dont know much about them and where to wire them in. What size would I need and does each point motor require one or can it be wired in as a common serving all point motors. I have 20 Hornby Points to power. Thanks for any help.  Regards Budslots.

Hi Budslots

I live in Blackwood if I can be of any help, let me know.

G'day Budslot,

I use an old slot car transformer for my Peco motors (solenoids) and it works well. The transformer I use is rated at 16V and it throws the points very nicely. I have the points wired to two momentary push buttons (left throw. right throw) so one quick push on the buttons and whamo, points thrown.

Cheers, Gary.

 

Budslots
   
http://brian-lambert.co.uk/DCC.html
will give you plenty of info

for CDU's http://brian-lambert.co.uk/Electrical.html#Motor


Solenoids usually take about 3-4amps on use so a good supply is needed 18v 3.5 or 4 amp - old laptop units are good for this application if you intend to drive solenoids without a CDU.