Sorry - Can't figure out how to do a poll...

 

I guess I'll just ask the question .... How many of you run your trains on DC track power using independent throttles? e.g. A/C TE on-board, or LocoLinc on track power.

 

The poll would have had you choose between these: DCC, Battery Power, Live Steam, Track Power - using independent throttles, Track Power - using block/cab control, Track power - using start/stop sequencing (leap frog).

I have to layouts in two different locations, one indoor, one outdoor.

 

Both started as conventional cab control with DC or PWC on the track which allowed only one independent loco in any given block at a time.

 

Both layouts have been converted to DCC while retaining all of the original cab control functionality.  When in DCC, I just open all the blocks and run trains where ever I want to.

 

For awhile I tried constant DC on the track with radio receivers in the locos, I was not overly impressed with that system.

We use simple common rail block control.  The railroad is split into 23 blocks and each block can be accessed by any of three wireless track-powered throttles (two TEs and one RCS).  Using this method we run seven trains simultaneously on about 600 feet of track.  Three run point-to-point, and four run on interconnected loops with two alternating leap-frog-style at the station.  Any train can access any point and travel in either direction on the railroad without the hand of God.

 

 

Using this simple block-control method we have trains 1) slow and leap-frog at the station, 2) slow and stop at the coaling/fueling/watering facility, mine, west station, and unloading facility, and 3) stop and wait for each other at the 30 degree crossing as necessary so as to avoid collision.  

As soon as QSI comes out with plug and play for USA loco's...I'll be in DCC land...

 

 

RJ..get ready to help install all the boards  

Interesting responses, but none really answered the question ... Are you really interested in running an independent DC throttle on track power? I am always asked if my products (which are designed for battery power) will work on track power, and I always say no. I assume that those asking the question really mean ... will it work on track power without any modifications to the loco? Well, if you go to the trouble of isolating the motor for and independent control system, why would you not just go to battery power or DCC? So ... How many of you actually run track power with independent throttles like LocoLinc or Aristo on-board TE?

 

The first post is:

 

 

I submit I answered the "poll" with one of the specified answers.

 

Regards, Greg

 

p.s. what is really the difference between:

 

• using DC on the track and an on-board receiver/deocder
• DCC on the track and an on-board receiver/decoder
• DC or AC on the track with DCS (MTH) and an on-board receiver/decoder

I think the type of power applied to the track is not the question, but using track power with independent throttles...

I don't think any one will answer truthfully..or w/o getting their point across.

 

In all these years I can only think of one place with track power where the guy had (what ever sytem) letting the engines be independant of each other, but he had to keep them on different tracks cause he could not watch them all. I was the only visitor who brought a train that could run with him. all other visitors had stock engines. With the bragging of his layout that he did ,others was very disoppointed.

It would be nice for all of us to get some clearer cut answers.
Del's question is pretty straightforward and nothing to do with DCC per se.

How many use constant voltage track power with on board R/C units such as Locolinc, On board TE and perhaps QSI/G-wire/AirWire?

 

Even if I was convinced there were a significant number running like that I doubt I would add a bridge rectifier to the RCS/EVO hardware.