Hello and a bit about me and my set up

[Simon63]

New Member here my name is Simon, I owned Hornby trains as a kid back in the 70' and it all worked well back then, thought I would get some second hand bits and make a small layout that can be stored away,

I bought all this used as new kit is very expensive.
1. Nickel Silver Track Third Radius R609/R600/R601 complete oval.
2. Hornby R8250 train controller (rubbish bit of kit cuts out all the time lucky to get a few loops completed)
2. Hornby OO Gauge R041 GWR Green Pannier 8751 0-6-0, turns out it was a none runner so just cleaned and oiled it and now it works.
4. Got some wagons on order,

Looking forward to making my first layout and I need to get a decent controller as I suspect the R041 is drawing to much power and tripping the controller, anyone have any budget recommendations? and I need to sort out a few Fairs to go to as I am in London and no Hornby stockist near me. also my R041 jumps the corners at speed I am wondering if I should switch to Radius 2 or if when the track is fixed down that will that solve the problem?

Anyway I will be reading thought the forums and hopefully get some guidance so I don't end up buying loads old crap like I did with the R8250

[Rog (RJ)]

For a decent controller look at Gaugemaster (they have a lifetime guarantee) or Morley.

[Simon63]

Just ordered one, went for the Gaugemaster Combi,

[hoonsou]

Welcome to a friendly forum. Once the bug bites...

[glencairn]

Welcome on board, Simon63. A good, friendly crew here.

Glencairn

[Mountain Goat]

Welcome.

Yes, as others have said and you have found out. A good controller makes a difference which will be MUCH easier to use and a more powerful one will allow you to pull trains with locos that have the older beefier motors.

The Gaugemaster Combi is what I call the basic starter level of the nicer DC controllers. They get better from there.

[Mountain Goat]

These controllers look nice.

https://youtu.be/v1SROEgvF_Y?si=1Jw6kNj2yLDiisO6

I think the price may have gone up a little, but is still impressive. (Apologize. Just seen you have already ordered a nice controller. I had not realized that when I posted this).

[bulleidboy]

Welcome to the forum Simon - it's a great place with lots of help and information - may be a but quieter during the summer, but there is usually someone about. BB

[dtb]

Hi Simon

good to see you are here, ask away as many here have years of experience on the hobby.

Enjoy

[Carl L]

Welcome Simon,

Like you, I came back to the hobby after 30+ years absence. The forum has been an endless source of advice and encouragement, you’ll enjoy it.