I know when you run two locos on a DC layout that you should try to match them for speed This is to do with the amount of current flow to get it to move, also the gearing. So with DCC is this not a present factor? Seems to me you will still have the problem of a loco being geared different and taking more current to run at a certian speed. So my thinking would be you still would have the same issue. Please explain for me if I am wrong.
a loco’s top speed can be adjusted w/ some DCC systems.
With DCC you can set CV (configuration Variables) so that each loco will start at step 1 on the throttle. You can set the top speed of the loco and the running characteristics so that different locos behave exactly the same. Since you are controling the loco not the layout, you can also add a pusher or helper at the end or middle of train and run them seperately with the same or a different throttle. You can’t do that with DC.
Ok new to DCC just ruan may first DCC a couple of days ago. Just didn’t make sence to me. I’ll have to play a bit more.
I have two sets of F A/B units I am trying to tune via CV adj so they have pretty much the same running characteristics. So yes it is a problem in DCC as well. I had an FA1/FB1 consist pulling about 12 cars and I noticed the further back in the train you looked the more the cars were jerking an surging. It looked awful. I separated the A/B units and ran them still mu’d. The A unit was slower than the B unit and they were fighting causing the cars to not run smoothly. I match the start/accel, mid and max to start then go back and try to match the B unit to the A by adj the max and mid. I have them quite close and you no longer notice surging in the tail end of the train. Someday I will figure out the pre set speed curves that will make it easier. I am about to put a ABBA consist together all with sound. Woo Hoo! I had them running around the track the other day but none of them were even close so it was hard to watch but great to listen to. The ALCO is my favorite prime mover particularly at idle. Put four together and you can hear them go in and out of sync. Sound is why I have so much darned fun with MRR.
Terry
[8D]
I may stand to be corrected here, but it’s not so much one loco useing more current, but matching the speed of the two or more locos. In other words two locos running the same speed, loco A may draw more current then loco B but running the same speed they are still sharing the work of pulling the train and not working against one another. Am I making sense here. Ken
Thanks sounds a bit easier to mach there speeds up. I would expect that you could run different manufactures locos to gether. I know in DC i had to stay mostly with the same manufacturer and loco make> My favorite was two Alco424. They looked so sweet togrther and run perfact together.
Yet another reason for DCC, and a system that allows easy access to the appropriate CVs to match speed curves.
Will
bump
Before adjusting CVs for speed matching, make sure that the locos are broken in if new, or run in and serviced/ lubed if from storage. Many engines require a minor breakin period to settle down for consistant operation. I found this true w/ Athearn BB, stored locos would need some run in time to level out . Clean the wheels even on new out of box engines also.
Then enjoy the use of DCC.
Bob K.
thats neat didn’t know that i have the same problem but it isn’t a factor to me.