I would like to know if it is possible to convert a GG1 to DCC and still use the pantagraph. I grew up in PA and remember seeing one as a very young boy. I am now hoping to build a new layout with steam and the GG1. I want to get the power for the GG1 using the pantagraph. Is this possible?
Thank you Bob
Welcome to the MR forums, Bob.
Your first few post are monitored, so it takes a while for them to show up.
I can't answer your question directly, but at least this will get your post "bumped" back to the top, so it will catch the attention of those that can.
This might get moved to the Electrical and DCC forum, just has a heads up.
What manufacturer of loco is the GG1?
Do you run it now on DC, powered through the overhead wires?
And to run steam locomotives, would they be using the same track? You'd still need track power for running them.
Mike.
My You Tube
Hi, Bob —
I'm familiar with the Broadway Limited GG1 which is wired so that the pantograph can collect current by moving a selector switch. If you are asking about the Bachmann model, I understand it will also collect from the pantograph. Probably true for the MTH as well..
Bob the Builder retired I want to get the power for the GG1 using the pantagraph.
I can see the desire to attempt to be as "prototypically accurate" as possible but trying to use the overhead as a leg of the power supply might be more trouble than it is worth.
Form what I've seen others do is to wire BOTH rails of the track to be one side of the circuit and the wire on the other. Thus you wouldn't be able to run any other locomotives while the GG1 is using the overhead wire. If you were wiring for strictly DC operation it would probably be less of an issue since DC is a little more tolerant of brief shorts than DCC is.
I believe you would have to wire the layout to run either one or the other at a time. Many of the traction layouts I've seen had both rails not insulated to facilitate the complex track work usually found in trolley or interurban settings. This way the overhead wire could carry the other side of the circuit.
With DCC you have independent control anyway so, using traditional wiring, you can run your GG1 along with any other locomotives. If you desire the "look" of overhead wire you can rig up dummy catenary but there is no real advantage to use it as a power distribution system. Sometimes it is enough of a chore to keep the rails clean let alone trying to keep the contact shoes on the pantograph and the overhaed wire clean enough for good contact. You're reducing power pickup from six of the drivers on one side to one small spot on the overhead wire.
One modeler I'm aware of, Anthony Rubbo, has an extensive layout of a portion of the PRR's electrified zone and even he doesn't use the wire for current and, in fact, doesn't even run his equipment with the "pans" up for fear of snagging the wire and damaging the pan or the wire.
So, while it can be done I believe it would turn into a real headache as far as maintenance and practicality.
Good Luck, Ed
As was said, Bachmann has sold a DCC ready with the eight pin socket, DCC ready and a sound version at one time.
I was just looking at the loco diagrams at the Bachmann forums.
There is a HO forum with company reps. You can join and no waiting to be aproved like here. Google Bachmann forums. It will pop right up.
Broadway a better deal.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.