MRL, to ensure detection of the entire train ONE wheelset of each car needs to be equipped with a 10K resistor - this will allow even a single car to be seen by the detection system, as opposed to just the locomotives which, since they have electrics on board, are detected - as would be lit cabooses or passenger cars. The way I'm currently set up, as soon as the locos clear the block the signals change even though there may be cars still occupying that block. Therefore a closely following train would see (at best) an amber (restricting) signal and would not have to stop, which, given an engineer's inattentiveness, could result in a rear end collision. Resistors are an easy way to fix the issue. And yep, Daryl and Jamie and I know how to eat an elephant!
Jim, One wheelset? Like a resistor attached to the rotating wheel? or using a conductive truck? How do you install said resistor?
Yeah, Hemi, ONE wheelset. Take a look at Daryl's video if you want an in depth study, but generally speaking you take a SMT resistor and ACC it to the axle with one side touching the insulated wheel, then dab conductive paint where it touched that wheel and on the other end of the resistor onto the axle. That completes the circuit, and you now have a wheelset that is the equivalent of a 10K resistor across the rails, allowing proper detection by, say, a Digitrax BDL68... The one step I left out is insulating the axle with a dab of ACC before gluing the resistor in place...
I actually use a small "blob" of Loctite Power Grab construction adhesive applied with a toothpick, then press the surface mount resistor into it to bridge the gap between the axle and the back of the wheel. I still use conductive paint to make the actual electrical path from the wheel/axle to the resistor. I have found the construction adhesive easier to work with than super glue/CA when making resistor wheelsets. Probably because the stuff has a lot of grab and you can move the resistor around a bit to get it positioned correctly before it dries. Jamie
Been working on a bunch of different stuff - here's a long term project: All the cars on this train are now body mounted. The Auto Max cars were the trickiest because the trucks are so close to the ends, but now that I've gotten rid of the Accumates and McHenrys I no longer have cars uncoupling at random...
Looks good Jim! I wonder, now that you have all body mounts, are you considering any mid or tail end helpers? It is a disaster waiting to happen with truck mounted couplers, but I think if the locomotives are speed matched and all body mounts, it may just work out.
I've actually run a long train out of staging with a manned helper with no problems whatever. As to regular distributed power...something to think about, that's for sure. Just might give it a shot one of these days.
Uncle Pete gets a diverging indication telling the engineer he's going to use the Bena crossover. The signal system is now complete and operating flawlessly - bidirectional ABS. What a joy to watch the indications change magically as the trains travel! Hmmm...now if maybe I could figure out Panel Pro...computer display could be interesting...
One of the necessities you find when working up a signal system is you need names for the places... On the Sub, they are, in order north to south, Canyon, Caliente (crossovers), Bridge, Bena (crossovers), Cliff, Oakville (yard throat), and East Oakville. Here's action today at Canyon:
I've run pushers on hundreds of trains with truck mounted couplers, on heavy grades, it hasn't been an issue. If the cars are weighted correctly, and your crews know how to push properly, it is a lot of fun. Jim, The layout looks amazing and the signals add an extra chunk of reality, nicely done!
Here we are at the Caliente crossovers, where we see an SD40-2 lashup with a merchandiser. Actually, this is the last of the resistor equipped trains out for the proving run; anytime I've done anything to a car it must make a trouble free circuit of the Sub. Now all I need is more FVM wides to finish what I've begun. Not all that many cars left to do, maybe fifty or a hundred.
A pair of ES44C4s passes CP Bridge with a Z train: FVMs locos just keep getting better - these are whisper quiet, smooth as silk. Here's a closeup of the C4 trucks:
Very nice, Jim. I have run long trains with manned helpers up the LONG grades on Grant Eastman's layout, with no issues. AFAIK, he has truck-mounted MTs on everything. Body-mounting is nice though, too!
As responsive as they seem to be, the LED is STILL not correct. I automatically replace it before the loco hits the rails. Requires notching of the board, but I've got it taped now and can do it in a couple minutes. Thanks for the comments, everyone! AND be advised the color is closer to Kato with these...
