Hornby Model Train Controller Repairs and Starter Set Controller Teardown!
14K views · Aug 1, 2026 · People & Blogs
Comments · 120
@1Klooch · 2 weeks ago
Those older, less expensive DC trains all suffered from pole lockup (even when new) which got worse the older they got. I have a bunch in my collection some as old as 50 years and they still move (somewhat). It's hard to get reliable system results with these old beauties in the loop. Good on you for sticking to it. Your analysis of the current characteristics was interesting too!
1
@PeterJohnsonWales · 1 month ago
Those little Hornby engines have a reputation for being pocket rockets - they take a lot of power to get them started then go like hell. I agree with the commenter who said that the loco could do probably do with a service.
1
@SiaVids · 1 month ago
It was good to see that you were on the right track with the repairs. 😁
7
@paulbrown6850 · 1 month ago
My mum in the 70s and 80s worked in a printing factory in hull uk and they printed the front sticker for hornby as she brought me a few 900 and 902 ones plus other stickers for diecast vehicles and the kids star wars pack up boxes. She brought me loads of stickers. Happy days
5
@StephiesStuffs · 1 month ago (edited)
"Riveting entertainment"...?!?! <b>*Ba-dum tish*</b> 😂😂😂
5
@DaveCurran · 1 month ago
I remember lusting after the full setup of 900 and 902s and a line of switches in the Hornby catalogue when I was a kid. Looking at them now, I think my homemade version with the guts of a ZX81 power supply and an LM317 was probably a better design.
4
@Goldwingnut1 · 1 month ago
Thanks for the fun video Jazzy! Your so pleasant to listen to 🤗
2
@madbren · 1 month ago
A woman into electronics you've stolen my heart simply love it ❤ you have a new subscriber.
1
@stephenmorgan3909 · 1 month ago
A most interesting video
1
@DJ_K666 · 1 month ago
Those R900/902s really were the thing to have in the 70s and 80s. You can see when they came out by checking the type of logo on them, do your examples would probably be late 70s. Early 80s ones had the yellow and black stripe.
1
@sawdoctor0 · 1 month ago
My hornby controllers are about 1955. Nice hefty transformers but they had selenium rectifiers now replaced with Schottky bridge. The overload trip gives such a satisfying "clunk'.
2
@lesmaybury793 · 1 month ago (edited)
Good to see those old controllers working, great job.<br>Back in the late 80s I built a PWM controller for my son. The provided variable DC controller exhibited the jerky start that was seen here. This is because the motors need full voltage to gain enough starting torque. A PWM always provides that but the speed is controlled by the "average" voltage.<br>I suspect the buzz seen here was due to a low frequency wave form and it did not look clean on the scope. I used a 555 timer for my effort but can't remember the frequency I used but it did work very well with excellent low speed control and the start was very smooth.
2
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