How do you control your trains?

[CCRM]

I've been doing research on how I want to control my trains. I would like to be able to have a wireless throttle with track power. So far I have been leaning towards DCC so I could have multiple operators and trains on the layout. What systems do you use? I need some ideas.

[altterrain]

I'm not a fan of DCC in large scale because I have yet to see it run reliably but here is Greg's page - http://www.elmassian.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17&Itemid=29

 -Brian

[lownote]

I went with constant DC and remote control, not DCC. I use aristo's 75 mhz TE system but I' switching over gradually to airwire and QSI

I looked into DCC but to be completely honest, I just could not get a handle on it. It was really hard to figiure out who sold what/what did what/what i needed. That's my short coming, not DCC's.

[Don H]

I  was track power for 18 years, changed over to battery. I had to clean track every time I wanted to run. With battery no wiring for track, reverse loops, Wye's. It so much enjoyable to run trains, you turn on the battery car and a way you go!

[enginear]

MTH's DCS system. "Simply the best way to run a railroad". Check it out! Joe

[g. gage]

Chris; I use track power utilizing Aristo's Ultima 10 amp power supply and Aristo's 27 mhz Train Engineer's. This gives me hand held walk around control. For me track cleaning isn't a big issue. I usually have a loco push an Aristo track cleaning car around the railroad before operations. I also have LGB and Kadee track cleaning devices, mostly used to clean loco wheels and pickup shoes. If I haven't run trains for a time I may need to bring out the wallboard sander with a green cleaning pad.

If I change I'm thinking about the same equipment, including track power but moving the TEs on board. My hope is the voltage the Ultima puts out is enough to burn through any dirt on the tracks.

Have fun, Rob 

PS, I worked in the electronics industry for over forty-five years.  

[REI]

I use battery, (ON/OFF). Real simple.

[mgilger]

I use the Aristo 55470 units for both track power and battery. Track power is used for the larger SD-45's so they can run all day without the worry of running out of battery power. I then run smaller engines on battery, getting a couple hours of use out of them. Since it's only me, I can handle running two trains on the mainline without too many mishaps.

Regards,

Mark

[Del Tapparo]

I use battery power with "Critter Controls", a hands-on control system, for all of my critters and full length trains. Without going into the full blown commercial (I sell them), they truley do work well for me.

 I ran track power for 8 years, and still have the capability. I will agree that track cleaning isn't that difficult (on my 150 feet of track), but when you completely eliminate it from your routine, running trains gets really easy. Eliminate the radio and it is also stress free.

[jebouck]

I use Battery/DCC with Airwire/Phx sound.

The best move I ever made from track power. Skeptical at first, but there's no comparison.

jb

 

[Anonymous]

I am going to use this time DCC. Can program it to neat things and hook up to computer!

Toad - I surrrived Ike

[CCRM]

Thanks for all the input. Although I'd like to be able to use DCC (with all those cool features) It is quite a bit more expensive and I think radio control has been my choice. I want to use track power so I can run trains for long periods of time and I don't want to have a battery car.

[smcgill]

I use Aristo's Train Engineer.Track power with simple remote control.Some use it for remote switch control.  Sean

[Great Western]

I built my RR ust over two years ago and used track power operated ny a basic Aristo controler.

I use two feed points: one where I can sit in the sun, on fine or warm days.  The other feed means I can use a timber, heated chalet building and still watch the trains.

But I decide for the damper days, where track operation may not take place, I needed to get the Aristo Train Engineer.  So I have organised a battery car and TE.  Sheer luxury I hope!

[jcfgrr]

I have a number of locos that run on battery power with RCS (Remote Control Systems) R/C controls. The advantages to battery power are no wiring, no track cleaning except to brush off the leaves, and you can run your trains like the real guys. You can also run your trains on other garden railways. The new batteries now give you long run times from a small package.

 John F