I was wondering how many of us use momentum in either DC or DCC?


I set the momentum on my Tech 6 and I love the realistic starting and stopping.

To my mind one needs to be a tad more skillful with the throttle and just like the prototype bad things will happen..

I run mine at such a slow speed (switching speed) that I don't encounter problems.

I've been using it since the Wescott articles from the 60s. I reallhy enjoy the challenge. It also helps the grandkids and great-grandkids keep the speed down to a reasonable level.

Tom

I have built a couple DC power supplies with a momentum feature.
The first one had multiple settings. The heavy setting was dangerous if you were not paying attention.
The DC power supply I am currently using on my HO layout has light momentum built into it.

3 of my 4 throttles have it available but I tend to forget to use it.
It can be fun to turn it on for switching.

Are you crazy I don't use it. I have tried it I can use it no big problems, I just don't like it. When I was using DC I would occasionally turn it on. I am now DCC and it isn't a matter of turning it off and on. As far as I know it would require some programming which I am not really fond of. There could be a way of programming it so it could be turned off and on with the push of a button but I don't know how and at this time not interested.

I always use momentum, especially with the DCC locomotives. I set the acceleration value to match as closely as possible how the prototype locomotive loads up (GP-40, U28B, C420, etc. load slow - switchers tend to load faster), but the deceleration value lower for quicker stopping if needed. Of course when you're switching at prototype speeds and coupling at less than 4 scale miles per hour it's no problem at all - just a bit frustrating waiting for the big 4 axle to load up and move! But then that's the way it is.

FCIN Wrote:I always use momentum, especially with the DCC locomotives. I set the acceleration value to match as closely as possible how the prototype locomotive loads up (GP-40, U28B, C420, etc. load slow - switchers tend to load faster), but the deceleration value lower for quicker stopping if needed. Of course when you're switching at prototype speeds and coupling at less than 4 scale miles per hour it's no problem at all - just a bit frustrating waiting for the big 4 axle to load up and move! But then that's the way it is.

For me I set the DC momentum on my Tech 6 to P3(acceleration)= 10 and P4(deceleration)=12 which is good for Atlas and P2K load up and smooth tonnage stop...For Athearn I set P2(start volt)=4 and then P3=7 and P4=9 which works out nicely as far as the loading and making a smooth tonnage stop.

When I build Slate Creek there will be safe guards to insure the engine and cars don't make a nose dive to the floor. :o

Yes I do use momentum, and love it.

On my MRC Prodigy Advanced 2 I always set momentum on locos because their is nothing nicer than unloading the engine and letting it coast to where you need it. Sounds just like the real thing. If i need to go a little further I add power, if I need to stop earlier I apply brakes (f7) and stop where I need to.

My boy loves it too. He is the reason I have extracted the digit and gotten back to building my layout again. We did a little switching on a plank I have and he asked if I could hurry up with the layout so we could do more switching.

How do you say no to that?

All the best.

I just got my system running full steam. I played with momentum a little and I like it with the sound decoders. I didn't realize when you use it with sound you can cut the throttle back to 2 or 3 and the chuff will fade away until it slows to that speed then it will start again. I might start using it on sound locomotives. I guess I will have to eat my words.