MTH protosound 2 locos and stopping distances

[Wes Whitmore]

I have been very happy with the end result of the  voltage reduction at my train station.  I used rectifiers to reduce voltages to around 5VAC so my MTH engines would stop moving, but still remain in the on position.  As a result, the station sounds work great on the idle train, hissing and talking while passengers load up and the other train makes it's way around the track.  The IR trigger works like a champ, applying a higher voltage to release the train out of the station. 

I want to put another one in, but I don't have the long approach track to slow down a train to a stop like I did before.  I can't get MTH trains to just stop when I drop the voltage to 0 like I can with my Lionel.  I know it's not prototypical, but I don't really have enough room to be.  I haven't tried shutting off the speed control because I like using it.  Is there any way that I can make the MTH locos come to an abrupt stop?  Slight reverse bias?  I'm open to anything.  If I can get it stopped fast enough, I might be able to apply the 5 volts and keep it in idle state, but I can work on that after I get it to stop quickly.  As of now, if I am running lets say 14 volts AC on the mainline, and I cut power to the transformer, it takes at least 3-4 feet to stop.  i haven't measured it, but it's more than 2 feet, which would be a pretty lofty goal.

Thanks for the help.  I'm really just kicking around some ideas.
Wes

[phillyreading]

Do you have DCS by MTH? With that you ahould have plenty of stopping distance.   Just for your info the MTH engines don't respond well on TMCC.  With DCS you should be able to hit the direction buttton on the handheld remote and stop somewhat fast.

The IR trigger you mention is this from another source other than MTH?

Lee F.

[Wes Whitmore]

No, I'm just using conventional transformers. Currently it's a 1000 series that comes with the kits.  The IR unit is also by MTH and attaches right to the track.

Wes