Bob, I think you misread my note. I didn't mention running helpers
without DCC. I was talking about the N&W running helpers in reverse
mode in some old time video that I have. Those Y's were pushing trains
tender first. I had never seen that before. This is something that
can't be done with conventional DC unless you wire your pusher engine
backward.
The other part of my message was about running two engines, both DCC, on
separate throtttles so I could use whistle signals for greater sound
effects. This is quite realistic as each steam engine would have a crew
and would have to signal each other to avoid problems.
I need not mention that if your using DCC you can add an engine anyplace
along the line, you don't need a little block. This is something I
occasionally do, and is a feature in the 'Rail Ops' program. For
instance a train pulling into a town--one engine and a dozen cars. The
train picks up a long string of loaded hoppers and has no set outs. The
program will then call for an additional helper engine to the next town
where many of those cars might be set outs along with the helper. The
RailOps program runs hand in hand with DCC. The program keeps track of
tonnage ratings, loads, empties, etc. and the DCC can make most of the
physical operations possible.
Of all the model railroads who have 'operating sessions' in the Houston
area I don't think there are any left who use conventional DC anymore.
It's almost a 'must' now days to be able to grasp a Dynatrol or DCC
throttle and go to work. I have used Dynatrol, Lenz, Easy DCC, and
Digitrax throttles with only a couple of minutes of 'education' from
management. I find the throttles are very much like different cars. If
you frequent the rental car facilities at the airport, you will find
that some cars won't start unless you put your foot on the break, some
cars will wash the windows when you think your turning on the lights,
etc., etc. Everything is generally there, but in different places.
Does DCC have it problems, certainly. I dislike running all those
wires from the engine to tender on steam engines. Digitrax, at one time
cranked out a bunch of defective decoders (DH121) that would loose their
memories, some of the older decoders didn't work well with certain
coreless can motors and I'm sure there are a few more problems that have
come up. But just like tuning a noisy engine, there have been solutions
to all the problems.
Bob Werre
Robert Nicholson wrote:
> -
> Personally, I don't understand Bob Werre's comment about running
> helpers without DCC. Running mid-train helpers (or pushers) is,
> prototypically, a matter of proper train make-up.
>
>
> Bob Nicholson
>
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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