I have a medium sized, dedicated loop of track on an ‘old fashioned’ layout with non-DCC cab control; about half of the track is hidden.
I want to automatically slow the train in the hidden section to increase the time before it re-appears on the other side. Is there a timer/switch I could insert to turn off a section of hidden track and stop the train for a few minutes, then turn the power back on for thirty seconds or so to allow the train to start up again?
Found this by going to the MR website and typing timers in the search box.
Electronics and controls
Electronic timer modules. Automatically switches attached circuit on and off on an interval adjustable from 1 to 90 seconds. Maximum 5-amp relay output. Timer-1, controls one circuit, $39.95; Timer-2, two circuits, $54.95. $10.50 shipping and handling per order in U.S. Pennsylvania residents add 6 percent sales tax. Dallee Electronics Inc.
Hope this helps
John
Or isolate one rail through the tunnel and connect a resistor/rheostat to the between the feeder and that rail. By varying the resistance you can slow the train.
I like this one better than the timer. It will avoid abrupt starts and stops that will be audible and perhaps damaging.
The needed resistance will vary with the locomotive, so if you have only one, great. If motive power varies, you can achieve the same effect with a bunch of series rectifier diodes (1N4000 series. I suggest 2.5 amps at 1000 volts, a very common size). You shouldn’t need more than ten of them and they’re cheap.
Karl