Comments on: Running Multiple Trains

By: W Rusty Lane

W Rusty Lane — Thu, 18 Apr 2019 23:31:36 +0000

That DCC thing is not entirely true. I am a DC model railroader and I run multiple trains at one time. If you block your track, mine is blocked into 6 or 7 different blocks, and use a double track mainline, you can run multiple trains at one time. I have 2 engines that run at the same speed and I can run those on one mainline while I run another train on the other mainline. I have 2 sets of engines that run at the same speed. This is important for running on DC only track.

By: Sheldon Clark

Sheldon Clark — Thu, 18 Apr 2019 20:51:06 +0000

In reply to Mike. You can have multiple locos running on DC (Analogue) model railways, but they must be working together (e.g. double-headed) or on separate tracks or sections of track that are electrically isolated from each other.

By: Frank B

Frank B — Tue, 09 Apr 2019 23:45:47 +0000

DCC is Digital Command Control. The locomotives receive power from the track, but are controlled by a digital electronic signal that also goes through the track. DCC locomotives have different digital addresses, so that they can be individually controlled by commands addressed to them. This also enables specific control of lighting and sound effects in the loco.

Most DCC locos can also be set up to run on a DC layout.
Some DCC control systems can be set up to run a DC loco.
A DCC module can be fitted to convert a DC loco to DCC.

DCC is a more expensive system than plain DC, but layout wiring is simpler, and turnouts etc can also be set from the controller. Most modern DCC locos also have excellent engine and mechanical sound effects, horns, bells, whistles, brake sounds, etc.

By: David Stokes

David Stokes — Tue, 09 Apr 2019 22:31:51 +0000

As Mike says, DCC allows this with no problems at all because the loco has a mini computer/receiver called a “chip” which talks to the controller. With “good old” DC, you can simulate individual loco control by cutting gaps in your rails and powering each section through lots of switches. This uses a lot of wire and concentration, but is workable.

By: Tone

Tone — Tue, 09 Apr 2019 21:44:18 +0000

As Mike says: use dcc. Each loco has it own code and can be operated separately. You only need the one dcc controller for your whole layout, so long as the layout is not too big.

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 09 Apr 2019 13:59:12 +0000

DCC allows for multiple locos to be run. DC does not. On DC you can run more than one but they all behave the same going the same speed amd stopping at the same time.