aristocraft basic train engineer

I got mine from Albanrail (you should be able to Google them) who sell them on their own. Sorry I've just packed mine and would like to hang onto it until I know what my G scale future is likely to be.
 
It's product code is CRE-55480
The only price I could find on the web was $120 for what it is worth guys.
 
I picked up one of these new, split from an Eggliner set a couple of years ago for a tenner - obviously my lucky day. However, during a session of extended running recently on a "foreign" layout, I began to wonder whether it was actually pushing out enough power - locos seemed to be struggling a bit, although I see from a comment above that these are good for 2 amps. Anyone noticed else this symptom? I've not had chance to experiment further on my own layout yet.
 
the basic power supply thats comes with it is only rated at 1 amp and 15 volts

although the actual controller can handle 20 volts at 2 amps

you may need a bigger power supply to drive the controller
 
Eaglecliff said:
I picked up one of these new, split from an Eggliner set a couple of years ago for a tenner - obviously my lucky day. However, during a session of extended running recently on a "foreign" layout, I began to wonder whether it was actually pushing out enough power - locos seemed to be struggling a bit, although I see from a comment above that these are good for 2 amps. Anyone noticed else this symptom? I've not had chance to experiment further on my own layout yet.
Click to expand...

It may be good for up to 2 amps, but you have to feed in power from a supply that can deliver that 2 amps first?

I don't think the plug in one supplied as standard is 2 amps and is probably more likely to be 0.5 (500 mA) if you look on the casing?

It'll be of interest to me if you could find out....
 
I quote:-
"FP AC/DC Adapter
Class II Transformer
Input 230v-50Hz
Output 15V-1000Ma
Model D57-15-1000"
[Little pictures]
BS1363 Standard CE"
Interestingly the "indoors only" warning moulded in the case is in English and French, with no indication of where it was made.
So clearly it does need more oomph; the TX input says 15-22V so there is presumably scope to up the voltage.
 
Interesting - the original US Transformer has the same model number as listed above. Input voltage and standards are different. But it was made in China, as are the TX & RX.
The ART-5480 instructions list RX voltage as 12-22 with current at 2.5 amps
 
Thanks Alex and 'Mr Eagles'.

Looks like the Power Supply for UK (BS1363) is a 1 amp output at 15 Volts. As Eagles mentions, you could increase the voltage to 22 volts and use a 2.5 Amp Power Unit in place of the one supplied, as noted by Alex.

Of course, if you plan to uprate your power supply, but are still unsure, seek the advice of a qualified electrician....
 
Can you recommend a reasonably-priced 2.5 amp transformer? Or is it possible to run two 1-amp trafo's in series/parallel? (It's over 50 years since I scraped through my "0" level physics).
 
Eaglecliff said:
Can you recommend a reasonably-priced 2.5 amp transformer? Or is it possible to run two 1-amp trafo's in series/parallel? (It's over 50 years since I scraped through my "0" level physics).
Click to expand...
Maplins or Rapid Electronics sometimes have a Bench Power Supply on Special Offer.

This one is £90 atm, but it has been available for a lot less in the past;

http://www.maplin.co.uk/bench-power-supply-with-lcd-screen-219129

An alternative is the LGB 50110 transformer of course, but it's more expensive than the Maplin one.

The Black version of Train Engineer uses the Crest CRE 55465 which I believe can be brought from Dragon....
 
I'll keep my eyes open. Actually, there is a very good family run shop in Derby called R F Potts; they sell all things electrical/electronic, usually at a fraction of Maplins' prices - and they will draw you a circuit if you should need one! I'll give them a try and pass on any info.
 
Chris M said:
I use the Maplins computer power supply. Something like thishttp://www.maplin.co.uk/multi-voltage-universal-laptop-power-supply-43515 gives you a choice of voltage and a reasonable number of amps. I can run two USA trains locos with smoke and lights all day using the older version of this power supply (and trhough an Aristo TE).
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Yep
I have used this type of power supply for 4 years now no problem, just make sure you get the feed polarity right into the TE when connecting it up.
 
Further to my post on this topic a while back, I finally went into R F Potts this afternoon and have bought for £22.99 a "Replacement AC adaptor" intended for one of those new little computer thingies. It's model number OA-3201U-1ACA and its output is stated to be 19v at 6.32amp. The plug fits the Aristo TE socket. Will report on results when/if it ever stops raining long enough to be outside for more than 30 seconds!
 
Eaglecliff said:
Further to my post on this topic a while back, I finally went into R F Potts this afternoon and have bought for £22.99 a "Replacement AC adaptor" intended for one of those new little computer thingies. It's model number OA-3201U-1ACA and its output is stated to be 19v at 6.32amp. The plug fits the Aristo TE socket. Will report on results when/if it ever stops raining long enough to be outside for more than 30 seconds!
Click to expand...

Has it stopped raining yet?
 
:o I was 'forced' to reclaim my Basic TE from my grandson the other day in order to temporarily replace my TE 55470 Tx which has turned out to be terminally ill.

Aware of its limitations, I swapped out the aerial with the extendable one from the crook Tx. Got an extra 15 feet, or so, range.
 
In answer to andyb, yes, it did stop raining... and the new setup does work well with all my locos... except my Bachmann 4-4-0. It would appear that the BTE's overload cut-out operates every 20 or so feet; loco drawing more than 2 amps??? Has anyone else had this problem? (I'll post this on the "Analogue" section as well.)
 
Eaglecliff said:
In answer to andyb, yes, it did stop raining... and the new setup does work well with all my locos... except my Bachmann 4-4-0. It would appear that the BTE's overload cut-out operates every 20 or so feet; loco drawing more than 2 amps??? Has anyone else had this problem? (I'll post this on the "Analogue" section as well.)
Click to expand...

??? What sort of power supply have you got feeding your BTE?
 
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