The classic H&M 'Duette'
transformer/controllerupdated 20 April 2009
I am often asked
which transformer/controllers I would recommend.
Ever since my late father bought me one as a boy, and for over 30 years now, I have used H&M
controllers. I have never experienced a failure of one of these units and have
found them to be reliable in use. When exhibiting 'Abbey Road' at exhibitions,
they are often in use for 2 days or more, for over 8 hours a day non stop! I have found them to be
ideal for controlling trains at all speeds including a slow crawl. As a result,
I am more than happy to recommend these units to prospective buyers. I am also
advised by keen Hornby Dublo collectors that the H&M units are also highly suitable
for use with Dublo locomotives as they have a good strong 1amp 12dc output.
The classic H&M 'Duette'
transformer/controller
The articles below were taken from the sources stated:
Controllers Old and New
'...Thanks to James Day for the reminiscences on older controllers. It reminds
me how bad many of the older controllers were and why I started designing
electronic ones.
On the large layout we had at school in the basement (a freelance model of
the old S & D Railway, complete with concrete scenery you could walk on!) I
think we tried just about all the controllers James mentioned, at some time,
and many of them were pretty dire.
I remember disliking the Tri-ang ones because the little red overload button
kept popping out whenever Hornby Dublo locos appeared. But we didn't care
all that much how poor the controllers were as long as the locos moved, as
we were running a railway. The object was to return, as quickly as possible,
all the trains sent and, if you could manage to totally block somebody
else's station with trains, that was just part of the fun! I know most
railway modellers today don't regard it as a competitive sport but it can
really be quite enjoyable.
But I digress.
Of the older generation of controllers the only two that I think have
stood
the test of time are the H&M Duette (still found on many layouts today),
which was fairly sophisticated for a resistance controller and built very
well, and the Scalespeed Electronic controller. This was one of the
first
electronic controllers and was a very cleverly designed unit with superb
performance for its time. I wonder if anyone else still uses one...'
Author - Anthony New. Taken from the Model
Rail Express website - 29th March 2005
Hornby Class 31
'...Have any of MREmag readers experienced difficulties with the starting and
stopping characteristics of the new Hornby Class 31s whilst using feedback
controllers (Gaugemaster H/H)? I purchased mine on Saturday and intended to
'run it in' on our layout ('St Ann's Central') at the Rainhill show over the
course of the weekend. It proved to be extremely sensitive to initial,
realistic starting acceleration but could then be backed off to a crawl, to
fully appreciate the view of the revolving fan. Stopping could also be
rather sudden. Switching off the feedback did not improve the situation
either. I even borrowed a second loco from the dealer, with much the same
results. The loco looked superb, particularly when the headcode discs were
fitted in
their chosen locations to provide prototypical lighting arrangements.
On returning home, I tried out the loco again, this time using my old
Beatties Duette type controller and was amazed at the difference. The loco
was completely controllable at all speeds, as good as, if not better, than
anything else in my 80+ fleet.
Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated...'
Author - Peter Hughes. Taken from the Model Rail Express website - March 2005