I recently purchased the Prodigy Express unit and was wondering if it is possible to run multiple trains at the same time with one controller? What I would like to do is run a train on each of my main lines (2) at one time as well as operate a switcher in my yard. My question is, can I punch in the locomotive number to train "A" set its speed and run it, then type in the number of train "B" and run it, and finally type in the number of the switcher and control it in the yard as the other trains continue to essentially just run loops (thus 3 locomotive running at once)? Or, as I hope is not the case, do I have to have a controller for each specific locomotive for them to all be running at the same time? Thanks for your time!
Josh
As far as I know the MRC system allows you to do that. I use a Digitrax Zephyr and frequently move locos around while a train is running. Great fun.
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Read the Prodigy Express operating instructions and see if it has a "recall stack" that allows you to store locomotive numbers so you can run more than one at a time.
If it doesn't have a recall stack, then you'll have to conduct an experiment and see what happens if you start one train running and then select a second one. If the first train stops, then you can't run but one at a time. If you can select a second train while the first one continues to run, then you should be able to select a third train after you get the second one running.
A review of the Prodigy Express at Tony's Trains' web site says the tester did exactly what you want to do, but he didn't provide any details on whether there is a recall stack or you just switch from locomotive to locomotive manually. He also indicates that he was using more than just a Prodigy Express throttle with his setup.
Oh my poor head! The controller can do it, but I am sure that *I* could not!
ROAR
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Will the 1.6 amp system support running 2 main line locomotives 10-12 cars each, as well as a switcher with 2-3 cars at a time all at once as long as I start them 20-30 seconds after one another? My layout is around 250 feet of track and NO grade whatso ever... Thanks!
What you could do is...try it. Do each of your locomotives have a separate address programmed into their respective decoders? If so, dial in the address of one locomotive and start it then dial in the address for another and start it. Any DCC system should be able to do that. If that works then add the 3rd unit.
Does the manual that came with your Prodigy Express say anything about it at all?
Tom
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Here's the Prodigy Express manual from the MRC web site. According to the pg. 2-2 of the manual, you have a 25-adress recall stack and a memory of the last 5 locomotive address. So, yes - you should be able to operate all three locomotives, if you can keep track of that many simultaneously.
Also, it doesn't matter when you start one locomotive after starting another; it can be 5 seconds or 5 days. There is no time limit involved
Lastly, be sure to read your manual. It's your best friend in regards to answering specific questions about and understanding your particular DCC system.
I have done it with a Zephyr. But I prefer to use separate throttles. I have set two trains running, and cut away to address a third loco. But invariably one of the trains derails, with no quick way to stop it, except to kill the power.
Not sure about the MRC, but the Zephyr allows you to add throttles, which is a much better way to go, when you want to adjust the speed of one of the trains.
At least the LION can KILL the power.
He has red buttons illuminated with blue lights about every 7 feet along the layout fascia. Any thing is not right press the button, not only do the pretty blue lights go out but all of the trains stop, the timer stops, and the STANDARD CLOCK stops. The whole layout pauses until I correct the issue, and restore the power from master control. The schedule resumes from where it left off as if nothing happened.
But then, the LION does not operate trains, him operates the railroad, the trains do their own things until they get back to the terminal and ring for the signal from the tower.
Just like they do on the NYCT, even town to the power buttons marked with blue lights.
This running of multiple trains at the same time works great with the MRC Prodigy Express. Just start each train with its Loco address. The recall stack keeps them in order started. Just recall the one you want to "talk to" at any one time. It is great fun - but - be ready to see one train meet another train in inappropriate ways. Not if but when.......... And remember that the only thing that happens fast on a railroad is an accident.
Ray