On DCC equipped locomotives, does the locomotive automatically maintain speed on an inclines or does the operator have to manually maintain it and if the locomotive has DCC sound, will the engine sounds vary on inclines?
On DCC equipped locomotives, does the locomotive automatically maintain speed on an inclines.
Not normally. "Automatic" is not realistic in this case. Some may be programmed to maintain speed...I don't know why.
If the locomotive has DCC sound, will the engine sounds vary on inclines?
Yes. More of that "realism" stuff.
Jim Murray The San Juan Southern RR
Hi Willy,
Simple answer is maybe. Decoders that have back emf compensation can be programmed to maintain a set speed. As well, similar quality of decoders can be programmed for load compensated sound. I recently installed a Tsunami in a steam loco that had both these features.
Best is to take a good long look at the manual for the decoder you're intending to use.
Dwayne A
Dwayne,
A simple answer and a better one.
Higher end decoders can maintain speed to a point up a grade or down a grade. While this is nice feature on an engine that is going to be running by itself, say on a continuous loop. Now if you are trying to be an engineer then having an autopilot kinda takes that away from being an engineer.
Massey
A Veteran, whether active duty, retired, national guard, or reserve, is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America" for an amount of "up to and including my life."
Thanks for the answers , like buying automobiles in the 70's, cruise control cost extra.
Pretty much., But the better decoders often have adjustable BEMF, so that you get the benefits at slow speed for smooth starts and coupling, but once up to speed you don't get the unrealistic cruise control feeling and will have to increase the throttle to maintain speed up a hill, and back off coming down.
If you are doing a lot of automation, solid BEMF is a must, so things maintain a constant speed at all times so you automation scripts don;t get messed up because you put a couple of extra cars ont he traina nd it went too slow up the hill.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.