anyone know if this company is still around or even if you can find the hoggers anymore, these were very good throttles for a damn good price and i need at least 2 maybe 3 more of them. thanks, mitch.
CMI = Chicago Models International I've heard mixed results on their power pack units and sound PC boards--which I don't think are made any more. Their address is: cmistrobes.com
A word of caution on off-brand (non-MRC, Atlas, or Bachmann) powerpacks. Some packs put out a waveform which has been suspected to damage some motors. No lab experiments were done to support this theory, but certain motors seemed to have their winding wires unsoldered through the action of the waveform.... there was at least an unscientific correlation of people having problems with their motors (an unusual thing) and the brand powerpack they had. There is a leading brand in North America of powerpacks for good reasons (quality, value, availability, service, technology upgrades, reputation) and I would have to have a very compelling reason not to stick with their range when selecting Analog power for my railroad.... Charlie
I remember selling one of CMI's throttles to a customer, who then had nothing but trouble with it. I sent it back for repairs twice, before my customer finally decided he'd had enough and wanted a refund. I did so, and then took a few years to get rid of the "repaired" one I had. I wouldn't touch one again with a ten-foot pole. Pat
thanks for the input everyone, i think i'm gonna go with a mrc controlmaster 20 with the walkaround but man $120 is steep especially when i need 3 of them!!!!! [ 03 July 2002, 06:57: Message edited by: Mopac3092 ]
I would suggest keeping an eye on Ebay for the MRC's. I have seen a few go for around $75. On the other end, I have seen some go for well over $100, which goes near or past $120 when you add shipping. Here are a couple of links to some current auctions for the CM20's: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1745255032 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1747020872 With some patience, you may get them for a good price. I would like to pick up two of them as well, but like you I am handcuffed by the cost. My two MRC 2500's will have to do for now...
