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Locomotive Control
Michael asks readers:
“Hi, I am new to this hobby and I have built a base in my garage and plan to lay one single HO continuous track (something like a folded over dog bone with sidings coming off from it. I would like to ask if anyone could advise me if there is a way to run two or three locos on this single track and have individual control of each loco at the same time. For example, speed one up whilst slowing the other down or running one off onto a siding? All at the same time. Is this possible?”
4 Responses to Locomotive Control
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Yes, it is possible with digital system.
Read this
dccwiki.com/Digital_Command_Control’s_Advantages_Over_Direct_Current
The best solution would be to use a DCC control system as suggested by Lucian.
It is also possible to use a DC (ordinary Direct Current) system. Each locomotive will need its own DC power supply. The track will need to be operated in “blocks”. A complex arrangement of electrical switches is need that will allow a power supply to feed a track “block” and to keep advancing to the next “block” as the locomotive moves ahead. I’m sure that there is a practical limit on how many locomotives can be operated with such a scheme. I’m planning just such a layout with “block” controls, but I’m only planning to operate two locomotives at once on this layout.
Good Luck to you.
This kind of operation always confused me.
If there is more than one train on a single track, how does one avoid the inevitable ‘rear-end’ collision? It is something that even the ‘real’ trains with all of the control systems available to them haven’t figured out yet either.
And, since we are attempting to ‘model’ real life; why would any one would want something like this, is beyond me. However, I might just be overthinking this whole thing. jmo
David ,
yes you are over thinking this. Dcc actually makes it easier and a lot more operation more trains and multiple engines tied together with good control. So far 8 engines at one time with a couple of them with some engines tied together. With 3 engines I can pull a 30 foot train in HO with ease on level tracks or short climbs.
I have run 4 trains on the same track , some with multiple engines and even running opposite directions at times. Using multiple throttles and even radio throttles to get around your layout works well. I have a two throttle controller and I have run 4 trains with it but I have to switch from engine serial number to another and can get quite busy but using several throttles is wonderful. Someone can be switching along the line somewhere while another is pulling a heavy freight with multiple engines. All off the same power. If you have multi track operation, you now have the capability to move from one to another as everything is on one power system. Another train can be switch from one route to another and in opposite directions through another track without stopping another train.
I took my DCC System to a friends home with a massive Standard DC layout and hooked it in. He had been convinced that it would not be a change he wanted to do but after we fired up this massive layout in DCC I think we have another DCC conversion coming. We did no wiring changes other than disconnected the DCC transformer and hooked in the DCC system. He had engines he had purchased with sound and automatic DCC to DC installed and when we fired it up those engines came out with sound he had never heard while running in old Standard DC.
Wiring up a layout is much simpler than standard DC Just run Buss Wires under your tracks and put feeders up to the rails every 4 to 10 feet and you will always have plenty of power. If or should I say when you get big enough then just add boosters to handle more engines at once. The multiple engine plan makes it easy for friends to come by and run independently and on the same tracks and power at the same time Now you can give assignments to everyone and all are working their own tasks at the same time and not waiting for the power in DC to do another task. Go visit a friend and see how he is doing and I guarantee you will be looking for a system to convert too.
from Newman
If hooking up DCC to an old wired system with everything turned on it should work fine. Only if you have long runs without buss wiring will you have a lack of power. Engines that are old DC but are good engines are worth converting with chips and LED lighting and even sound if you want. When you are new to it it takes a bit to learn what to do in the conversion. Starting out get a couple of engines that are DCC ready to go and learn those then have a friend help you convert a few engine and by then you will be able to do it on your own. Programming an engine chip takes a bit of practice but you will learn it just as we did. Many guys will help you program the chip just watch and learn and you are on your way whether you have a massive layout or a single loop.