Very interesting sam, I replaced my hm 2000 with a gaugemaster model d and the difference in running quality is very noticeable my locos are smoother 👍
You won't be disappointed, Sam. I bought the single-track unit ("MODEL 100M") twenty years ago and the dual-track unit ("MODEL D") ten years ago. On my current layout, they are nestled side-by-side in my control panel and function flawlessly. Very gentle rise from nil-volt helps prevent older locomotives 'launching' from stationary.
Your test results were no surprise Sam, I have the same controller it's about 30 years old and I can control double headed Wren locos over 240 feet of track with no buss wires, there are numerous points and crossings and the locos perform faultlessly at the furthest point from the controller it is also in the garden, I won't praise them any more as they might put the price up, thank you again Sam for a very informative no holds barred video.
Thanks a lot Paul - yes I was very impressed - usually I'd expect sluggish performance from 3 Wrenns on the same line... not so here!! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
SAM you dragged me back into the hobby after 7 years you.. you... you.... oohh why i oughta....... curse your videos' charm, humour and brilliant production value!
Hi Sam. Good review. Gaugemaster have made excellent controllers for years. I've used them and nothing else for over 20 years. You get a nice smooth dc output with no hint of low ac leakage (a common cause of motor noise/buzzing and overheating armatures). I'm my opinion, the best controllers you can buy. Stay safe and well. Cheers Chris.
I tried the Hornby DCC controllers, Elite & Select and all that modern, digital faff. I put them (and the decoders) back on the shelf & went back to simple DC with a Gaugemaster DS Dual. I love the look, heft & build quality. The Hornby gear looks like it came out of a kids toy box. While the DCC guys are still pressing buttons, I'm running trains.
I quite like Gaugemaster's approach to making controllers. Rather than messing around with the looks of their controllers, they dedicate all of their effort and development into making sure the guts are as good as they can be, hence why they are still using such old boxes for their controllers.
You're absolutely right - I've scoffed at the looks - but they are largely irrelevant, what matters is 100% spot on, agreed! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I had the older style in Feedback...the red one, and sold it on for peanuts as I was also concerned about motor damage from FB which I was unaware of when I first set up. I now have the same older style Gaugemaster in a 2 track version none FB and its great . I have since learned though that on my layout I needn't have worried about motor burnout with FB as it is a terminal station based on Ventnor IOW and the trains are never run fast . I think your concern about the looks is just how you feel about it, personally I think it is a well made attractive and well functioning piece of kit. Great review I enjoy all your reviews which have been most helpful to this older guy of 68 yrs. Thanks.
Thanks for sharing Malcolm - yeah that's why I got rid of my HM2000s really.... very happy with them besides the possible FB issue. That's true - and the looks are negligible anyhow! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Yes I’ve had a Gaugemaster for the last 25 years . Mine is a DS. Double track with simulator . Great Controller . Runs everything from my old Tri-ang through Wrenn , Mainline , Airfix , Bachmann , Dapol even Heljan which I think draw more current . No issues at all .
Best controller I ever had, was a Märklin "Super" from 1950s. It was humming loudly, but it had substance in his metal body (it stayed cold all day!) and you could regulate very very fine! Also it was able to cope with shortcuts, no problem.
I’m into old audio equipment, valve amps, classic microphones etc and I love the look of that controller. It looks like a premium, well engineered piece of gear from the early 70s (possibly made in Germany) and that’s not always a bad thing.
I blew my bachmann E z connect controller a while back, and ended up finding an old 90s esque bachmann controller in a thrift shop. This old dusty controller is somehow amazing and works great with all my locos!
I saw one of these advertised on FB for £35 in my area, picked it up instantly. Everything works as it should. I haven't really put it through its paces, but glad to know it'll do it! Great video as always :)
Great review, Sam! And convenient; I'd been saving up to buy the model Q, but since there aren't many reviews of it on RUclips, I wasn't 100% convinced: now I know for sure!
I got a few Model Rectifier Corporation (MRC for short) controllers that have adapter plugs where you can add a tethered throttle where you can have walk around control, you should take a look at a few
Just for your future reviews Sam for this season of your reviews, I would recommend either resorting to your old controller or retesting the performance factor of your locos so that locos reviewed after this don't gain a sudden, unfair advantage. I know the change is subtle, but it could be enough
Yeah you may be right, but there's no way I'm doing that mate! I've compared the performance, and it's basically identical! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I switched from my Bachmann controller to a gaugemaster combi single track controller (my layout is 1 and a half loops so it's all I need) Best decision I ever made, my only problem I've had with it was finding a screw driver think enough to screw into the terminals
I bought the Q controller when I ran a 009 layout. It was excellent. I now run oo gauge, it is still brilliant. I may be odd, or just old, but I love the look of it as well. Very neat and compact but runs everything.
Hi Sam, I have had one of these for some yeas and also the model with a test track on top.- great kit!! A tip for you, if you are stripping wire don't pull the cover right off. Use it to provide a finger grip to twist the wire and then pull the cover off. This is handy on fine wire especially. Keep up the good work!
I used a Gaugemaster panel mounted single track with brake simulator for years - which I loved! My first videos on here were with that. Nice pieces of kit!
Great introduction Sam, I can imagine you yelling "Bloody Select!" at the thing alot. This looks to be a very good controller, just a shame I haven't the budget for it (yet!). I have a Hornby 900 Power Controller, it's pretty old, but it's pretty beefy too, around 25VA! I rather like the 900, although I may bodge another controller onto the side of the 12v uncontrolled output with a variable resistor. Great review as always, thoroughly brightened up my evening, - George
@@bentullett6068 Thanks, I didn't know they did single track only ones too, I'll have a look into that. @Sam's Trains Yep, it's a powerful thing. I had a Tri-ang with a dodgy motor drawing around 1.5 amps, I didn't run it for long as not to burn it out, but the controller handled it fine.
@Harry Brenflarmarg I still operate on DC which is the reason why I use Gaugemaster controllers. The old one I have must be over 10 years old now and still works perfectly.
Hi Sam from Down Under, Newcastle, Australia Great review of the Gaugemaster controller, I have a three track controller with inertia control for track one and it's been a brilliant controller and wouldn't be without it. All the best and I hope you have many happy train hours with your new controller. Cheers Darren
Nice review Sam, I myself have a gaugemaster Q4 would not be without it. British built also have another Gaugemaster with brake simulators but use that one for my accessories. Would like to have seen you operate your turntable. Keep up the good work Jeff
Hi Sam. I can see how it fits in with the way you run your layout. From previous videos, I know that you have a humongous collection of locos and wonder what proportion of them are analogue - how often do you run DCC locos?
It’s true it does look like something your parents would have used when the were kids but as long as it works as intended it makes no difference. You can never have to much power! 💪
These are great controllers. I now have two Gaugemaster controllers one is my old single track version and the other one is a new twin track controller similar to your four track one to power a small line to a goods yard and the engine shed siding area. My old one has never had a issue and is the reason why I purchased another Gaugemaster controller.
Great review & Great controller. I have a pair of the DS's - a Twin with 'simulator'. One is styled like your old 2 track 'D' and the other like your new 4 Track 'Q' and they are super. .. I can also vouch for the warranty. The older one failed after years of service and as promised the unit was restored to life by Gaugemaster. The shop is also worth a visit for anybody 'down south'.
Pretty cool controller Sam! I enjoy that you highlight mainly DC train running on the channel. This controller reminds me of the older hobby equipment for radio controlled models. I owned a second hand 72 MHz transmitter built from a kit! As for the aesthetics of the unit, it doesn't look like a toy but a serious piece of electronic equipment.
Love my Gaugemasters. I really like the styling, but I like valves sticking out of my amplifiers too. Besides you say it's 1970's, then it should go well with a 1970's themed railway too.
I actually love the retro look of the unit. And seeing as I came out of the 1960’s something that looks as if it came out of the 1970’s is about perfect for me. Can’t see that I would ever use that many outputs…. But of course I could well be wrong. And having the extra outputs could prove handy over time.
I don't think that can be it - the Hatton's Barclay and Hornby Stephenson's rocket both had 5 pole motors... there's not much that's smaller than those, so space is no excuse! xD Thanks for watching, Sam :)
THEY LOOK SO GOOD I LOVE THIS ONE!! im starting my first build and i went nuts and spent a few thousand on my layout (its gonna be big) im gonna pick this thing up if i can find a us version.
They do give good control (I have the DS) but the wire terminals are very small and quite hard to use. If you are running a thick bus wire with droppers, you won't fit it into the terminals.
For N scale I use a KATO power pack, for HOi use my dad's old marklin controller and O is the lionel 1033 all of them work great hope you have fun with your gaugemaster
What controller do I use? Lionel type RW, 110 watt transformer built in 1949. Still works like a charm with only a new cord and a new roller, all other parts original. Has posts on the back for wiring 0-15 volts variable, 5-19 variable, 19 volts constant, and 9 volts constant. Very good transformer for old American O scale trains.
Excellent choice, you can't go wrong with a Gaugemaster for analogue control. I have a two track model D in that shape for the DC section of my layout. You will notice the LED will turn red and stop the train if it detects a short, I do like the colour change feature depending on the power output. They are nice and sturdy as well, a good solid metal construction.
To be honest, I like the "retro" look of it. And my best controller? Roco MultiMaus it is a great one, but it is for digital control. It has a ton of options, and when there is a short circuit, it automatically shuts power off from all the track and lets out a screeching sound to inform the owner of a problem.
Love it I have the 2 track one you have moved up to your 0 gauge layout (be interesting to see how that handles your 0 gauge locomotives) Might be time to upgrade to this as I have more running lines now
I like MRC'S Tech 3 Power Command 9500. It is nice because it shows voltage and current draw. Unfortunately 1) they don't make it anymore, 2) it only controls one track.
I feel that Gaugemaster is really in touch with their customer base. They don't feel the need to change the look of their controllers much, since their customers have come to expect a certain look and feel, which also happens to have that feel of 70's quality. I still have trustworthy appliances from the '70's that work as well today as when they were brand new, and have outlived and outperformed a lot of their contemporary products. In today's market things are made to break, so we replace them and spend more money. But I think companies like Gaugemaster realise that spending that extra bit for quality control and good materials means a loyal and grateful customer base. I remember a certain flight stick in the late 90's that Microsoft used to make (force-feedback sidewinder I believe), that was so sturdy and successful, they pulled it from production, because customers wouldn't buy newer products. I'll never buy a Microsoft flightstick again. But I'll be sure to look to Gaugemaster for products.
Yes they do seem to be Erick - that's very true! I must say their products are not made to break, which is a lovely breath of fresh air! Merry Christmas - Sam :)
I'm rather enthusiastic about the colour scheme. It reminds me of my grandfather's numerous controllers that he bought between 1958 and 1973. The only thing missing is a burgundy and gold braided cotton cover on the power cable.
Hey Sam, that’s a nice controller, looks pretty hefty though! Might not be so fun if you don’t have a permanent layout set up! My track is all Kato Unitrack, so I use Kato’s Standard S controller, which I’ve found to be a great little unit. Unitrack has integrated roadbed, and points come from the factory with motors fitted. Wiring is simple, all cables are connected with clips, and point controllers just snap onto the side of the controllers. I’ve found if you don’t have a permanent setup, that clip together wiring is far more reliable than screw terminals! I will probably stay with it if and when I start a permanent layout, as it’s easy to rig up wiring looms and keep it all relatively near and tidy.... In theory....
I've always liked the plug in, clip on, clip in, integrated trackbed track systems ever since they came out 100 years ago, revisited by triang for a bit, very successfully developed by Marklin (until fashion decreed realistic sleepers) and really rather perfected by Kato. still waiting for more from the Tillig/ Kato partnership though!
@@muir8009 I’m modeling modern Japan, so Kato Unitrack is perfect for me, especially their modern stuff with concrete sleepers, slab track & super-elevated curves!
@@muir8009 I changed to Unitrack after trying “traditional” Peco & Atlas track in American N scale.... It was quite a nightmare to try fixing it to the baseboard and maintain geometry.... Now that I’m doing stuff like Japanese Bullet Trains, the rigid geometry of roadbed style track is great! And Unitrack’s detail and decoration is some of the best I’ve seen!
I like the 70's look of it, If you run an "old school" set up but wanted a modern controller this would fit right in to the layout. I am currently using an old H&M Duette controller which I bought a month ago and is only the fourth controller I have used since getting into the hobby early this year and I have to say so far, it's my favuorite followed by my old triang unit.
Sam, did you notice in the video that when you started the triple header of the wrenn locos that the large LMS tank's driving wheels were not turning? Once it went around the curve they were. Very interesting. Now try a triple header on all 3 tracks.
Gaugemaster controlers are like SR Q1 class 0-6-0, Land Rovers, Harrier jets or JCB engines : aesthetically close to zero, but rugged and ever ready to do the job, and the best ones to do it you can find anywhere. That's typically british, you can play "Land of Hope and Glory" as background music to present it. As a continental nitpicker, I've just get one negative point : the plug and its cable are not mounted on a C15/16 connector that would allow its replacement by a CEE cord and plug with a 3-poles CEE 7-7 plug... As is, just requires an adapter, not a great deal anyway, 7,50 € on Amazon for a good one. I have the other end of the range with the combi, bought for the same reasons as you (coreless motors), and it is a very good deal, especially for small layouts (GBP 34, also available with a Schuko plug for Europe). Sincerely, I can recommend Gaugemaster like you, best choice for analog controlers.
I have a Sebo vacuum cleaner (bear with me), that is also aesthetically challenged, being purely functional with no attempt to make it look like a space ship as seems to be the trend these days. It is completely bulletproof, probably because they have used a similar design philosophy to Gaugemaster of eschewing fashion in favour of solidity. Having been around in the 1970s though, I think the Gaugemaster looks more 1950s than 1970s.
They are the best controllers by far and with a lifetime guarantee, you can not go wrong. I intend to buy them for my layout as and when. But, I have spied some secondhand wood laying around after they had finished using it for a project. Martin. Thailand.
Hi Sam .I have the exact same controller and the same setup as you have yours. It has never let me down once you can even have all three tracks running at the same time and use the turn table with no lose of pawer you will/should have now regrets
Couldn't agree more I have two Gaugemaster singles and they are great! Never had a burnt motor. smooth slow running is great, even a smokey J is brought if not to heal but mid calf instead of thigh, if that makes any sense? I will probably buy the quad to rationalise pluginability. As for looks, well as I was born in 1950 suits me sir (and you know valve amplifiers sound better with a strat). Good review mate, thanks Sam. Gaugemaster Oil Lamp Station Lamps are pretty and cool as well!
The intro should be in highlights of the year excellent review and good price of the controller when are you doing your next series of streams 🙂🙂 brilliant at always
If I want a gaugemaster my tracks oo gauge I'm using double track and I need the loops and yard as well I wasn't sure double controller or 4 controller I'm controlling
I have Gauagemaster’s Prodigy DCC controller, I can’t fault it since I upgraded from the Hornby Select, much cleaner and more user friendly. Had a more basic just DC one as well a couple of years ago before I went DCC and I couldn’t fault it either
The Gaugemaster Prodigy is a rebadged American MRC Prodigy. I looked at those when choosing my DCC system. The low power output and clunky interface put me off. I went for the Fleischmann/Roco Z21 where it's much easier to programme locos etc. using a tablet.
I started off with the Tri-ang P5 controller, which was fine until one day it erupted gunk out of the side vents like something from Mount Vesuvius. My next controller was the Hornby R900. Never understood what the half wave function was for. Then the standard Bachmann train set controller. Too light. Fourth was the Hornby R965 controller which was OK, but I worried about it overheating my N Scale locos. The best Hornby train set controller IMO. Fifth was the Graham Farish AGW PE860 controller which is absolutely fine for N Scale. Only stopped using it because I built a control panel and the PE860 isn't really suitable for panel mounting. My final DC controller is the Gaugemaster panel mounted model 100. I'm not keen on the switch to change direction. I prefer the centre off control knob. For DCC there's no contest. Roco all the way. From the Lokmaus 2, to the Multimaus and finally the Z21 with the 10813 - Z21 ᴡʟᴀɴMAUS. The Hornby Select would be useful as a paperweight if it was a lot heavier. :-) How's the Elite with Railmaster Sam? Intuitive to operate would you say?
Uh oh! Sounds like a busted cap to me! Thanks for sharing - very interesting stuff - agreed on the centre off control knob, but overall this suits my purposes very well! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)
A really useful video, thanks. I run Dublo, so great to see the Wrenns running on this controller, as they are essentially the same thing. I have a GM 100M at present, but have been recommended TRAX feedback controllers. I wonder if you've ever tested those?
Thanks a lot Michael, yes the Wrenns work just fine on this, plenty of power to go around! No I never have, they sound intriguing though! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hey again, I just got good eBay find a lima db 218 German diesel for under £25 ideal since I needed it for certain czech/German cross border trains although i should have waited till I can buy either 750/754 ceske drahy or an Alex/arriva diesel for the specific trains I was modelling, but they are very rare & expensive so for price of one loco new, I have several db coaches plus a diesel loco & I got some extra coaches cheaply from train fairs before any lockdown so I can make full rakes using my csd/CD & db stuff & the Alex arriva coach got, and I already have cd/csd electric loco for the changeover in plsen hl n station!
I know I keep going on about my Dapol Black Label A4 Mallard, but in DC mode your new Gaugemaster controller would not be man enough to fully power all its functions. As I don't have a DCC set-up, the A4 with smoke turned on consumes 1.1A if I recall. Had to contact Dapol to ask why the smoke wouldn't work. They suggested the Gaugemaster D.0 controller which is really designed for 0-gauge locos. The D.0 kicks out about 2.5A, costs a lot and weighs a ton (big transformer). Owning a Black Label with DC is not cheap, so be warned.
Use to have an ontracks controller by All Components from the back of Ralway modeller. don't know if there still made but it had centre off so no directional switch witch I thought was great
@@SamsTrains The vibrating and writhing plates therein. Thankfully Guagemaster don’t make audio equipment. You need another review category Sam, which models can drown out the controller hum - my DJM GWR 1361 certainly does!
Awesome video today Sam I have tried a gauge master one but mine was the single ones then I got a hm 2000 for 45 pound and so far I haven’t had any problems with my locomotives because when I had a gauge master controller my old Bachmann Thomas just stopped working I have a new one now
I´ve watched a lot of gaugemaster videos and i'm totally in love with the performance it offers, i'm thinking about to buy a gaugemaster combi controller , but i don't know if i can use it with an american bachmann wall adapter power supply ( Model: AC1601000, input: AC12OV 60Hz 24W Output: AC16V 1000mA 16 VA) , that's the problem, i don't want to damage it, or lose my money. Greetings from Colombia!
I have had the same type of 4 track Gaugemaster controller for about 3 years on an OO layout and it has been faultless. I wired my layout using thicker wire in that I already had a couple of rolls of "ordinary" domestic 3 core that I stripped out for the individual colours. This made it awkward getting the wires into the small connectors. I had to tin the ends of the wires and trim down for them to fit, but that's my fault for being lazy and mean instead of buying the correct type of cable. I have successfully run double headers with no problems, most regularly a pair of class 20 diesels , which is how they most often ran in the "real" world. It is quite heavy which I like because it makes it more stable though the transformer hum can be a bit intrusive. My only real criticism of the controller is that I think that it would be better with bigger control knobs probably about twice the current diameter, the connectors on the back would also benefit from being about 1 cm higher up and perhaps an illuminated mains on/off switch. Other than that while a bit expensive it's a very good piece of kit. I got mine from Hatton's because they were actually cheaper than buying direct from Gaugemaster. This is something that I have found with most Gaugemaster products. I can drive to their shop in about an hour, just shy of 60 miles away from West London and when I do go it's such a good shop that I usually spend over an hour there however everyone else seems to sell their products cheaper I've bought Hornby and Pico stuff from the Gaugemaster shop and it's usually at more or less the same price as elsewhere but I usually buy Gaugemaster bits from Rails of Sheffield or Hatton's as even with postage they're cheaper.
Thanks a lot for sharing that Mike, glad to hear it's been faultless! Larger control knobs might be nice actually, good thought! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Me: Reads title of the video Also me: "Sam hasn't got an HM Duette yet... I got 4 for £20 each" Common mistake with the Duette is to set it to low which is a big no no. On half and high (you'll know what I mean if you've seen one) They give the best performance and slow speed of any controller I've seen, but that's just my experience. Wait... 7:01 That's where the Bachmann Ivatt went. Got myself one of those with the newer, I think 2017, chassis. Runs alright for a Bachmann loco at least. Better than my split chassis locos by a long shot if that can even say anything. Still not Hornby performance, but not awful.
hello sam seeing what you`ve said about gaugemaster controllers you have peaked my interests and it looks good in that colour and love the video from david
This thing was designed to be part of the seventies because it is "a more elegant weapon (controller) from a more civilized age" - Obi-Wan Kenobi
Hello There
haha, love it! ;D
@@williambabcoke248 General Kenobi
@@cadetkohr5508 you are a bold one
Very interesting sam, I replaced my hm 2000 with a gaugemaster model d and the difference in running quality is very noticeable my locos are smoother 👍
Thanks Ciaran - yes I noticed a huge difference too!!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Great review Sam gauge aster controllers are definitely the best controllers out there on the market
Thanks David, I think that's probably true! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
You won't be disappointed, Sam. I bought the single-track unit ("MODEL 100M") twenty years ago and the dual-track unit ("MODEL D") ten years ago. On my current layout, they are nestled side-by-side in my control panel and function flawlessly. Very gentle rise from nil-volt helps prevent older locomotives 'launching' from stationary.
Thanks very much mate - yes I hear they're indestructible and last forever... so well worth every penny!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Your test results were no surprise Sam, I have the same controller it's about 30 years old and I can control double headed Wren locos over 240 feet of track with no buss wires, there are numerous points and crossings and the locos perform faultlessly at the furthest point from the controller it is also in the garden, I won't praise them any more as they might put the price up, thank you again Sam for a very informative no holds barred video.
Thanks a lot Paul - yes I was very impressed - usually I'd expect sluggish performance from 3 Wrenns on the same line... not so here!!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
SAM you dragged me back into the hobby after 7 years you.. you... you.... oohh why i oughta....... curse your videos' charm, humour and brilliant production value!
Haha love it - that’s awesome to hear!!
Hi Sam. Good review. Gaugemaster have made excellent controllers for years. I've used them and nothing else for over 20 years. You get a nice smooth dc output with no hint of low ac leakage (a common cause of motor noise/buzzing and overheating armatures). I'm my opinion, the best controllers you can buy. Stay safe and well. Cheers Chris.
Thanks a lot Chris, yeah they certainly have - I hear nothing but good about them!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I tried the Hornby DCC controllers, Elite & Select and all that modern, digital faff. I put them (and the decoders) back on the shelf & went back to simple DC with a Gaugemaster DS Dual. I love the look, heft & build quality. The Hornby gear looks like it came out of a kids toy box. While the DCC guys are still pressing buttons, I'm running trains.
I quite like Gaugemaster's approach to making controllers. Rather than messing around with the looks of their controllers, they dedicate all of their effort and development into making sure the guts are as good as they can be, hence why they are still using such old boxes for their controllers.
You're absolutely right - I've scoffed at the looks - but they are largely irrelevant, what matters is 100% spot on, agreed!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Indeed, but all thier controllers really need to look nice is a black and white scheme. All black, with numbers, dials, switches, and letters in white
Very nice! I upgraded to a Gaugemaster controller last year, so glad I did.
Thanks mate, I'm not surprised! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
11:46 "course it can."
The standard tank: *nope!*
haha! xD
I’ve got the two track one with inertia and it’s brilliant
Yeah I've heard how good that is - very cool stuff! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
All I want is a two track controller with inertia and braking but they seem to be hard to find.
Model DS
Bought one based on this review. So far very impressed, despite the fiddly small terminal connections.
I had the older style in Feedback...the red one, and sold it on for peanuts as I was also concerned about motor damage from FB which I was unaware of when I first set up. I now have the same older style Gaugemaster in a 2 track version none FB and its great . I have since learned though that on my layout I needn't have worried about motor burnout with FB as it is a terminal station based on Ventnor IOW and the trains are never run fast . I think your concern about the looks is just how you feel about it, personally I think it is a well made attractive and well functioning piece of kit. Great review I enjoy all your reviews which have been most helpful to this older guy of 68 yrs. Thanks.
Thanks for sharing Malcolm - yeah that's why I got rid of my HM2000s really.... very happy with them besides the possible FB issue. That's true - and the looks are negligible anyhow!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Yes I’ve had a Gaugemaster for the last 25 years . Mine is a DS. Double track with simulator . Great Controller . Runs everything from my old Tri-ang through Wrenn , Mainline , Airfix , Bachmann , Dapol even Heljan which I think draw more current . No issues at all .
Sounds fantastic Russell, and very reassuring to know that it's still going strong today! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hi Sam I recently got a gauge master single track controller and it’s fantastic
Best controller I ever had, was a Märklin "Super" from 1950s. It was humming loudly, but it had substance in his metal body
(it stayed cold all day!) and you could regulate very very fine! Also it was able to cope with shortcuts, no problem.
Great to hear that Paul, that sounds very good and solid! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I’m into old audio equipment, valve amps, classic microphones etc and I love the look of that controller. It looks like a premium, well engineered piece of gear from the early 70s (possibly made in Germany) and that’s not always a bad thing.
My ageing H&M Duette was showing its age so on your recommendation, earlier this year, I bought a Gaugemaster combi. It is brilliant.
Fantastic mate - glad to hear it served you well! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I blew my bachmann E z connect controller a while back, and ended up finding an old 90s esque bachmann controller in a thrift shop. This old dusty controller is somehow amazing and works great with all my locos!
Uh oh sorry to hear that!! haha great to hear that was better! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I saw one of these advertised on FB for £35 in my area, picked it up instantly. Everything works as it should. I haven't really put it through its paces, but glad to know it'll do it!
Great video as always :)
Wow, that's a total bargain - great to hear yours was good! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Great review, Sam! And convenient; I'd been saving up to buy the model Q, but since there aren't many reviews of it on RUclips, I wasn't 100% convinced: now I know for sure!
Thanks mate - yeah sure, it's very very good indeed! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
By Sam’s review I got the 4 knob Gaugemaster controller. It was Gaugemaster or Morleys.
I got a few Model Rectifier Corporation (MRC for short) controllers that have adapter plugs where you can add a tethered throttle where you can have walk around control, you should take a look at a few
mrc unfortunately is US based
That sounds awesome - no doubt I could adapt one to work in the UK! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
My nephew has the exact same controller for his layout which was handed down from his grandad. Marvellous piece of kit.
Ahh fantastic - it certainly is!! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Just for your future reviews Sam for this season of your reviews, I would recommend either resorting to your old controller or retesting the performance factor of your locos so that locos reviewed after this don't gain a sudden, unfair advantage. I know the change is subtle, but it could be enough
Yeah you may be right, but there's no way I'm doing that mate! I've compared the performance, and it's basically identical!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I switched from my Bachmann controller to a gaugemaster combi single track controller (my layout is 1 and a half loops so it's all I need)
Best decision I ever made, my only problem I've had with it was finding a screw driver think enough to screw into the terminals
Oh wow - no doubt that was a smart upgrade!! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
An absolute beast of a controller. The part where you pressed all the numbers on the controller had me in stitches! Amazing review sam!
Thanks a lot mate! haha glad you liked that! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Gaugemaster is like the Noctua of the model train world, their controllers are so well made that they are desireable even with the brown aesthetics.
I bought the Q controller when I ran a 009 layout. It was excellent. I now run oo gauge, it is still brilliant. I may be odd, or just old, but I love the look of it as well. Very neat and compact but runs everything.
It sure is brilliant John - still no complaints with mine!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hi Sam,
I have had one of these for some yeas and also the model with a test track on top.- great kit!! A tip for you, if you are stripping wire don't pull the cover right off. Use it to provide a finger grip to twist the wire and then pull the cover off. This is handy on fine wire especially. Keep up the good work!
Thanks a lot Mike! And that sounds like a very good tip - I'll have to give that a try! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains Stops the tiny bits of wire sticking into your fingers too.
I used a Gaugemaster panel mounted single track with brake simulator for years - which I loved! My first videos on here were with that. Nice pieces of kit!
Ahh fantastic - glad to hear they served you well too! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Just purchased a pair for O gauge!!!
Nice test.
Just watched the Hornby one from a year ago.
David and Lily Reading.
That's awesome - hope they serve you well! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Gaugemaster Rocks for "0" gauge Sam Best Regards Andrew
Thanks Andrew, I agree! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Great introduction Sam, I can imagine you yelling "Bloody Select!" at the thing alot.
This looks to be a very good controller, just a shame I haven't the budget for it (yet!).
I have a Hornby 900 Power Controller, it's pretty old, but it's pretty beefy too, around 25VA! I rather like the 900, although I may bodge another controller onto the side of the 12v uncontrolled output with a variable resistor.
Great review as always, thoroughly brightened up my evening,
- George
Yeah, not a pleasant thing to operate, lol! Wow - 25VA?! That's insane isn't it?!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
They do a entry level single track controller for around £30-£40. From my experience they are fantastic controllers and do last a long time.
@@bentullett6068 Thanks, I didn't know they did single track only ones too, I'll have a look into that.
@Sam's Trains Yep, it's a powerful thing. I had a Tri-ang with a dodgy motor drawing around 1.5 amps, I didn't run it for long as not to burn it out, but the controller handled it fine.
@@highbrookendmodelrailway they also do DCC controllers and a lot of people use their controllers both analogue and digital at shows
@Harry Brenflarmarg I still operate on DC which is the reason why I use Gaugemaster controllers. The old one I have must be over 10 years old now and still works perfectly.
Gaugemaster rule, King of DC. I have one with the brake simulator, amazing. Great upload and congrats on getting new controller. All the best, Brian.
Yeah absolutely - I'd love to try the brake simulator too, sounds awesome! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I just purchased one. A 4 train controller. Coming from the UK
@@brianpearson8782 nice one, you will be very happy when you get it. Welcome to the club. :)
Hi Sam from Down Under, Newcastle, Australia
Great review of the Gaugemaster controller, I have a three track controller with inertia control for track one and it's been a brilliant controller and wouldn't be without it.
All the best and I hope you have many happy train hours with your new controller.
Cheers Darren
Thanks very much Darren - that sounds fantastic, I've heard good things about those inertia controllers! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Nice review Sam, I myself have a gaugemaster Q4 would not be without it. British built also have another Gaugemaster with brake simulators but use that one for my accessories. Would like to have seen you operate your turntable. Keep up the good work Jeff
Hi Sam. I can see how it fits in with the way you run your layout. From previous videos, I know that you have a humongous collection of locos and wonder what proportion of them are analogue - how often do you run DCC locos?
Thanks Paul! I'd probably say 85% of mine are DC!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
great review and also on the tripple header great demonstration when they start off as one loco is clearly being dragged
Thanks Russell, yes I only noticed that during the edit - it kicked in after a few seconds though!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
It’s true it does look like something your parents would have used when the were kids but as long as it works as intended it makes no difference. You can never have to much power! 💪
Yeah exactly - the great performance easily outweighs the horrible looks! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
These are great controllers. I now have two Gaugemaster controllers one is my old single track version and the other one is a new twin track controller similar to your four track one to power a small line to a goods yard and the engine shed siding area. My old one has never had a issue and is the reason why I purchased another Gaugemaster controller.
Thanks Ben, I agree they are - glad to hear you've always done well with yours! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I think it looks great. Nice and simple and built like a tank. Great stuff!
Thanks a lot mate, glad you think so too! :D
Great review & Great controller.
I have a pair of the DS's - a Twin with 'simulator'. One is styled like your old 2 track 'D' and the other like your new 4 Track 'Q' and they are super.
.. I can also vouch for the warranty. The older one failed after years of service and as promised the unit was restored to life by Gaugemaster.
The shop is also worth a visit for anybody 'down south'.
Thanks a lot Kevin, that sounds fantastic! Great news about the warranty, fantastic stuff! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Great review and choice. I have been using the twin track model since the early 1990s without any problems.
Thanks a lot Paul, glad to hear that - they're reliable as anything!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Pretty cool controller Sam! I enjoy that you highlight mainly DC train running on the channel. This controller reminds me of the older hobby equipment for radio controlled models. I owned a second hand 72 MHz transmitter built from a kit! As for the aesthetics of the unit, it doesn't look like a toy but a serious piece of electronic equipment.
Thank you! I think there's a lot to be said for DC - thanks for sharing! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Love my Gaugemasters. I really like the styling, but I like valves sticking out of my amplifiers too. Besides you say it's 1970's, then it should go well with a 1970's themed railway too.
Awesome controller there from Gaugemaster, I'm now planning to get one myself from them
Fantastic Cameron, hope you enjoy it! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I actually love the retro look of the unit. And seeing as I came out of the 1960’s something that looks as if it came out of the 1970’s is about perfect for me. Can’t see that I would ever use that many outputs…. But of course I could well be wrong. And having the extra outputs could prove handy over time.
Maybe coreless motors seem to be more used is because of size limitations, they do seem to be smaller than your typical 5 pole motor
I don't think that can be it - the Hatton's Barclay and Hornby Stephenson's rocket both had 5 pole motors... there's not much that's smaller than those, so space is no excuse! xD
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
THEY LOOK SO GOOD I LOVE THIS ONE!! im starting my first build and i went nuts and spent a few thousand on my layout (its gonna be big) im gonna pick this thing up if i can find a us version.
They do give good control (I have the DS) but the wire terminals are very small and quite hard to use. If you are running a thick bus wire with droppers, you won't fit it into the terminals.
For N scale I use a KATO power pack, for HOi use my dad's old marklin controller and O is the lionel 1033 all of them work great hope you have fun with your gaugemaster
Sounds great David, I'll have to look into those! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
What controller do I use? Lionel type RW, 110 watt transformer built in 1949. Still works like a charm with only a new cord and a new roller, all other parts original. Has posts on the back for wiring 0-15 volts variable, 5-19 variable, 19 volts constant, and 9 volts constant. Very good transformer for old American O scale trains.
Wow! A long ago as that?! I bet that was built properly!!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Excellent choice, you can't go wrong with a Gaugemaster for analogue control. I have a two track model D in that shape for the DC section of my layout. You will notice the LED will turn red and stop the train if it detects a short, I do like the colour change feature depending on the power output. They are nice and sturdy as well, a good solid metal construction.
Thanks Rob - yeah absolutely! Ahh I've not tried shorting mine yet... guess I'm scared to! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Triple big fours running specials excursion. Perfect
To be honest, I like the "retro" look of it. And my best controller? Roco MultiMaus it is a great one, but it is for digital control. It has a ton of options, and when there is a short circuit, it automatically shuts power off from all the track and lets out a screeching sound to inform the owner of a problem.
haha lots of people do! And that sounds awesome, will have to look that up! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Love it
I have the 2 track one you have moved up to your 0 gauge layout (be interesting to see how that handles your 0 gauge locomotives)
Might be time to upgrade to this as I have more running lines now
Thanks a lot Nicky, glad you got one too! It's been handling O gauge just fine! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I like MRC'S Tech 3 Power Command 9500. It is nice because it shows voltage and current draw. Unfortunately 1) they don't make it anymore, 2) it only controls one track.
Ahh I'd love one like that actually - thanks for sharing! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I feel that Gaugemaster is really in touch with their customer base. They don't feel the need to change the look of their controllers much, since their customers have come to expect a certain look and feel, which also happens to have that feel of 70's quality. I still have trustworthy appliances from the '70's that work as well today as when they were brand new, and have outlived and outperformed a lot of their contemporary products.
In today's market things are made to break, so we replace them and spend more money. But I think companies like Gaugemaster realise that spending that extra bit for quality control and good materials means a loyal and grateful customer base.
I remember a certain flight stick in the late 90's that Microsoft used to make (force-feedback sidewinder I believe), that was so sturdy and successful, they pulled it from production, because customers wouldn't buy newer products. I'll never buy a Microsoft flightstick again. But I'll be sure to look to Gaugemaster for products.
Yes they do seem to be Erick - that's very true! I must say their products are not made to break, which is a lovely breath of fresh air!
Merry Christmas - Sam :)
0:24 i don’t blame you for not wanting to touch this one!
I'm rather enthusiastic about the colour scheme. It reminds me of my grandfather's numerous controllers that he bought between 1958 and 1973. The only thing missing is a burgundy and gold braided cotton cover on the power cable.
Ahh fantastic - definitely has the colour scheme of that era, haha! Yeah you're right there!!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hi Sam great video I will be sure to put that controller onto my list of items for my layout. Stay safe!
Thanks very much Sam - very glad to hear it! You too mate! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hey Sam, that’s a nice controller, looks pretty hefty though! Might not be so fun if you don’t have a permanent layout set up!
My track is all Kato Unitrack, so I use Kato’s Standard S controller, which I’ve found to be a great little unit.
Unitrack has integrated roadbed, and points come from the factory with motors fitted. Wiring is simple, all cables are connected with clips, and point controllers just snap onto the side of the controllers.
I’ve found if you don’t have a permanent setup, that clip together wiring is far more reliable than screw terminals! I will probably stay with it if and when I start a permanent layout, as it’s easy to rig up wiring looms and keep it all relatively near and tidy.... In theory....
I've always liked the plug in, clip on, clip in, integrated trackbed track systems ever since they came out 100 years ago, revisited by triang for a bit, very successfully developed by Marklin (until fashion decreed realistic sleepers) and really rather perfected by Kato. still waiting for more from the Tillig/ Kato partnership though!
@@muir8009 I’m modeling modern Japan, so Kato Unitrack is perfect for me, especially their modern stuff with concrete sleepers, slab track & super-elevated curves!
haha yeah - I guess this isn't much of a portable controller! Thanks for sharing! :D
Cheers,
Sam :)
@@SamsTrains Yeah, it looks about as portable as a Humvee without wheels..... 🤣🤣
@@muir8009 I changed to Unitrack after trying “traditional” Peco & Atlas track in American N scale.... It was quite a nightmare to try fixing it to the baseboard and maintain geometry.... Now that I’m doing stuff like Japanese Bullet Trains, the rigid geometry of roadbed style track is great! And Unitrack’s detail and decoration is some of the best I’ve seen!
I like the 70's look of it, If you run an "old school" set up but wanted a modern controller this would fit right in to the layout. I am currently using an old H&M Duette controller which I bought a month ago and is only the fourth controller I have used since getting into the hobby early this year and I have to say so far, it's my favuorite followed by my old triang unit.
Yeah that's very true actually! Great to hear that - the old ones are often the best! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Sam, did you notice in the video that when you started the triple header of the wrenn locos that the large LMS tank's driving wheels were not turning? Once it went around the curve they were.
Very interesting. Now try a triple header on all 3 tracks.
I didn't notice that until I edited the video - but it kicked in after a while - not the controller's fault of course! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hello! I have the controller G M , very good run, very realystic for DC locomotives on my layout. Greetings from France.
I really like the gaugemaster controllers and I have a single track walk about controller by gaugemaster and it’s great.-Ben
Ooh nice, I was looking at those too - they seem great! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Gaugemaster controlers are like SR Q1 class 0-6-0, Land Rovers, Harrier jets or JCB engines : aesthetically close to zero, but rugged and ever ready to do the job, and the best ones to do it you can find anywhere. That's typically british, you can play "Land of Hope and Glory" as background music to present it. As a continental nitpicker, I've just get one negative point : the plug and its cable are not mounted on a C15/16 connector that would allow its replacement by a CEE cord and plug with a 3-poles CEE 7-7 plug... As is, just requires an adapter, not a great deal anyway, 7,50 € on Amazon for a good one.
I have the other end of the range with the combi, bought for the same reasons as you (coreless motors), and it is a very good deal, especially for small layouts (GBP 34, also available with a Schuko plug for Europe). Sincerely, I can recommend Gaugemaster like you, best choice for analog controlers.
haha absolutely right - doesn't detract from the performance, that's for sure! ;D
Thanks a lot for the info, appreciate it,
Cheers,
Sam :)
I have a Sebo vacuum cleaner (bear with me), that is also aesthetically challenged, being purely functional with no attempt to make it look like a space ship as seems to be the trend these days. It is completely bulletproof, probably because they have used a similar design philosophy to Gaugemaster of eschewing fashion in favour of solidity. Having been around in the 1970s though, I think the Gaugemaster looks more 1950s than 1970s.
haha thanks Roger - can't argue with that - and they are very well built!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I too have a Sebo felix built like a tank a TIGER tank! Thanks Sam sorry to go off subject.
They are the best controllers by far and with a lifetime guarantee, you can not go wrong. I intend to buy them for my layout as and when. But, I have spied some secondhand wood laying around after they had finished using it for a project. Martin. Thailand.
Thanks Martin, I think so too - very impressive! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hi Sam .I have the exact same controller and the same setup as you have yours. It has never let me down once you can even have all three tracks running at the same time and use the turn table with no lose of pawer you will/should have now regrets
Great to hear that Graham, and not surprised it hasn't let you down! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Wow, I'm glad you got this controller, and I may consider getting the single or double version. Thanks Sam!
Thank you! Yeah they're all good - particularly that double one! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I have the DF (the feedback version of the D) and it's an acquisition I doubt I will ever regret.
Ahh fantastic - so it works well? :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Amazing vid as usual Sam 👍🏻 keep up the good work.
Thanks so much Henry! :D
Couldn't agree more I have two Gaugemaster singles and they are great! Never had a burnt motor. smooth slow running is great, even a smokey J is brought if not to heal but mid calf instead of thigh, if that makes any sense? I will probably buy the quad to rationalise pluginability. As for looks, well as I was born in 1950 suits me sir (and you know valve amplifiers sound better with a strat). Good review mate, thanks Sam. Gaugemaster Oil Lamp Station Lamps are pretty and cool as well!
Great to hear that! I'm sure they do look after motors better than other brands do - lovely quiet performance! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
have bought a model Q on the strength of ur review thankyou
The intro should be in highlights of the year excellent review and good price of the controller when are you doing your next series of streams 🙂🙂 brilliant at always
haha thank you!! Next streams are in 2 weeks time!! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
If I want a gaugemaster my tracks oo gauge I'm using double track and I need the loops and yard as well I wasn't sure double controller or 4 controller I'm controlling
I have the D type twin track serving me well now for 15 years ,and it’s still looks mint 😂
Fantastic! Yes they're very much built to last!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Honestly I like the look, it's got a 70s look as you said and it's got a bit of charm!
haha yeah, I've seen a lot of comments saying that! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I have Gauagemaster’s Prodigy DCC controller, I can’t fault it since I upgraded from the Hornby Select, much cleaner and more user friendly. Had a more basic just DC one as well a couple of years ago before I went DCC and I couldn’t fault it either
Great to hear that Andy - I've only ever heard great things about their DCC gear too! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
The Gaugemaster Prodigy is a rebadged American MRC Prodigy. I looked at those when choosing my DCC system. The low power output and clunky interface put me off. I went for the Fleischmann/Roco Z21 where it's much easier to programme locos etc. using a tablet.
I started off with the Tri-ang P5 controller, which was fine until one day it erupted gunk out of the side vents like something from Mount Vesuvius.
My next controller was the Hornby R900. Never understood what the half wave function was for.
Then the standard Bachmann train set controller. Too light.
Fourth was the Hornby R965 controller which was OK, but I worried about it overheating my N Scale locos. The best Hornby train set controller IMO.
Fifth was the Graham Farish AGW PE860 controller which is absolutely fine for N Scale. Only stopped using it because I built a control panel and the PE860 isn't really suitable for panel mounting.
My final DC controller is the Gaugemaster panel mounted model 100. I'm not keen on the switch to change direction. I prefer the centre off control knob.
For DCC there's no contest. Roco all the way. From the Lokmaus 2, to the Multimaus and finally the Z21 with the 10813 - Z21 ᴡʟᴀɴMAUS.
The Hornby Select would be useful as a paperweight if it was a lot heavier. :-) How's the Elite with Railmaster Sam? Intuitive to operate would you say?
Uh oh! Sounds like a busted cap to me! Thanks for sharing - very interesting stuff - agreed on the centre off control knob, but overall this suits my purposes very well! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
A really useful video, thanks. I run Dublo, so great to see the Wrenns running on this controller, as they are essentially the same thing. I have a GM 100M at present, but have been recommended TRAX feedback controllers. I wonder if you've ever tested those?
Thanks a lot Michael, yes the Wrenns work just fine on this, plenty of power to go around! No I never have, they sound intriguing though!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hey again, I just got good eBay find a lima db 218 German diesel for under £25 ideal since I needed it for certain czech/German cross border trains although i should have waited till I can buy either 750/754 ceske drahy or an Alex/arriva diesel for the specific trains I was modelling, but they are very rare & expensive so for price of one loco new, I have several db coaches plus a diesel loco & I got some extra coaches cheaply from train fairs before any lockdown so I can make full rakes using my csd/CD & db stuff & the Alex arriva coach got, and I already have cd/csd electric loco for the changeover in plsen hl n station!
Wow! For £25 that sounds very good indeed - good spot mate! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I know I keep going on about my Dapol Black Label A4 Mallard, but in DC mode your new Gaugemaster controller would not be man enough to fully power all its functions. As I don't have a DCC set-up, the A4 with smoke turned on consumes 1.1A if I recall. Had to contact Dapol to ask why the smoke wouldn't work. They suggested the Gaugemaster D.0 controller which is really designed for 0-gauge locos. The D.0 kicks out about 2.5A, costs a lot and weighs a ton (big transformer). Owning a Black Label with DC is not cheap, so be warned.
Thanks for the comment Andrew, wow it consumes that much?!? How come?!? :O
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Use to have an ontracks controller by All Components from the back of Ralway modeller. don't know if there still made but it had centre off so no directional switch witch I thought was great
Very interesting!! I'll have to look into those! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Gotta love that one ill be getting a double for my exhibition layout
Awesome Lettuce, hope you like it! :D
Cheers,
Sam :)
I suspect my H&M Clippers will survive with the cockroaches, but this does look good. I still like centre off and no reverser though.
Enjoyed seeing the wrenn locos today!
Thanks Gavin, thought that was nice for a change! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I’m glad it’s not only my 2-channel Model D that hums.
haha yeah - it's fine - just a sign of a substantial transformer! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains The vibrating and writhing plates therein. Thankfully Guagemaster don’t make audio equipment. You need another review category Sam, which models can drown out the controller hum - my DJM GWR 1361 certainly does!
Great review Sam, I use these Gaugemaster controls and they are superb. Good to have them recommended by your good self. ..Bob
Thanks so much Bob - glad to hear that, yes the best I've ever used!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Awesome video today Sam I have tried a gauge master one but mine was the single ones then I got a hm 2000 for 45 pound and so far I haven’t had any problems with my locomotives because when I had a gauge master controller my old Bachmann Thomas just stopped working I have a new one now
Blimey, can't complain at all for £45! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains I know lol
Hornby r965 which I rewired & runs on a controlled power supply
Great to hear that - yes they are very good too! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I´ve watched a lot of gaugemaster videos and i'm totally in love with the performance it offers, i'm thinking about to buy a gaugemaster combi controller , but i don't know if i can use it with an american bachmann wall adapter power supply ( Model: AC1601000, input: AC12OV 60Hz 24W Output: AC16V 1000mA 16 VA) , that's the problem, i don't want to damage it, or lose my money.
Greetings from Colombia!
Wonderful review as usual Sam can't wait to see more!
Thanks so much mate, appreciate it! :D
I have had the same type of 4 track Gaugemaster controller for about 3 years on an OO layout and it has been faultless.
I wired my layout using thicker wire in that I already had a couple of rolls of "ordinary" domestic 3 core that I stripped out for the individual colours. This made it awkward getting the wires into the small connectors. I had to tin the ends of the wires and trim down for them to fit, but that's my fault for being lazy and mean instead of buying the correct type of cable.
I have successfully run double headers with no problems, most regularly a pair of class 20 diesels , which is how they most often ran in the "real" world.
It is quite heavy which I like because it makes it more stable though the transformer hum can be a bit intrusive.
My only real criticism of the controller is that I think that it would be better with bigger control knobs probably about twice the current diameter, the connectors on the back would also benefit from being about 1 cm higher up and perhaps an illuminated mains on/off switch.
Other than that while a bit expensive it's a very good piece of kit.
I got mine from Hatton's because they were actually cheaper than buying direct from Gaugemaster. This is something that I have found with most Gaugemaster products. I can drive to their shop in about an hour, just shy of 60 miles away from West London and when I do go it's such a good shop that I usually spend over an hour there however everyone else seems to sell their products cheaper I've bought Hornby and Pico stuff from the Gaugemaster shop and it's usually at more or less the same price as elsewhere but I usually buy Gaugemaster bits from Rails of Sheffield or Hatton's as even with postage they're cheaper.
Thanks a lot for sharing that Mike, glad to hear it's been faultless! Larger control knobs might be nice actually, good thought! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Me: Reads title of the video
Also me: "Sam hasn't got an HM Duette yet... I got 4 for £20 each"
Common mistake with the Duette is to set it to low which is a big no no. On half and high (you'll know what I mean if you've seen one) They give the best performance and slow speed of any controller I've seen, but that's just my experience.
Wait... 7:01 That's where the Bachmann Ivatt went. Got myself one of those with the newer, I think 2017, chassis. Runs alright for a Bachmann loco at least. Better than my split chassis locos by a long shot if that can even say anything. Still not Hornby performance, but not awful.
haha thanks Dom, yeah I've heard those are good! Yep - mines totally knackered- might give their new version a try! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
11:44 the standard class 4's wheels are not moving
Yeah - think it must have stalled! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
hello sam seeing what you`ve said about gaugemaster controllers you have peaked my interests and it looks good in that colour and love the video from david
Glad to hear that David, I can recommend it! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I tell u something your challenging Attenborough with your narration.🤣🤣🤣🤣. As always stunning video and keep it up.
haha thank you, I'll have to do some wildlife commentary some time! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)