10-16-2016, 09:07 AM
There's a demonstration of so-called "dead rail" operation HERE
I doubt that it will make current operating systems obsolete, but it's an interesting alternative.
Running multiple locomotives together on a DC-controlled layout is easy, and they don't necessarily need to be evenly matched for speed, although it helps if their starting voltages are similar. The main requirement is that they are actually needed to pull the trailing tonnage. If you want to run multiple DC locomotives on trains which don't really require the extra power, it's best to use ones which are speed-matched, too, or you could run dummies instead.
Even though my layout is DC-controlled, wiring is quite simple because it's not meant for more than one operator - no need for blocks, although I do have the ability to shut-off passing sidings and individual tracks in staging yards and industrial sidings. No bus wire, either.
Wayne
I doubt that it will make current operating systems obsolete, but it's an interesting alternative.
Running multiple locomotives together on a DC-controlled layout is easy, and they don't necessarily need to be evenly matched for speed, although it helps if their starting voltages are similar. The main requirement is that they are actually needed to pull the trailing tonnage. If you want to run multiple DC locomotives on trains which don't really require the extra power, it's best to use ones which are speed-matched, too, or you could run dummies instead.
Even though my layout is DC-controlled, wiring is quite simple because it's not meant for more than one operator - no need for blocks, although I do have the ability to shut-off passing sidings and individual tracks in staging yards and industrial sidings. No bus wire, either.
Wayne