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Super User 877 posts Don Mitchell donm Super User 877 posts
Don Mitchell donm

Just a quick mock up for a back corner as a placeholder until managing to get on the new forum:

ck%20up.jpeg 

Don Mitchell

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AzBaja Prolific poster 2,048 posts
AzBaja
Like the big buildings,   I'm a fan of close to scale size buildings and industries for operations on my layout.

AzBaja
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I enjoy the smell of melting plastic in the morning.  The Fake Model Railroader, subpar at best.
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smadanek Frequent poster 703 posts
smadanek
I find some of my mock ups just never get replaced with the final model....they are good enough for now.
Ken Adams
Walnut Creek, California
Getting too old to  remember all this stuff.... Now Officially a COG (and I've forgotten what that means too...)
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Don Mitchell donm Super User 877 posts
Don Mitchell donm
THROTTLE SETUP ON THE SMR

Here's what has worked for me based on using Tsunami decoders with a NCE DCC system:

Tsunami's allow the setting of rates for deceleration and 3 brakes — Independent, Train, and Dynamic. Here are the steps used to accommodate control by either ProtoThrottles or ProCabs used on the Southern Mountain and the Tehachapi layout of the La Mesa Club:

First, the deceleration rate (CV4) was set to a high value that gives the desired decrease in speed for a mainline train traveling at track speed. (Many recommend a setting of 255, but my preference is for a lower setting that provides a finite stop.)

Second, the rate for the train brake (CV118) was set for the braking distance suitable for the above train.

Third, the Independent brake (CV 117) was set to give a short stopping distance suitable for switching or single locomotive movement.

Fourth, set the Dynamic brake (CV 116) to give the desired sound and/or slowing rate desired.

My belief is that controlling braking is best done with some visual feedback showing on the ProCab screen. Accordingly, F5 was chosen to show independent brake status (on/off), and F6 to show whether the brake was set up as independent or automatic.

On ProtoThrottles, the brake lever and Aux button programming provide feedback of the brake position and brake selection status. The Aux button (marked  TRN below)  being pushed in shows that train braking has been selected.

PT markings.jpeg 

CV values have not been shown here, as they can vary considerably. For example, the SMR has different values for the switcher, freight, and passenger engines. In addition, there are also different values for other engines operated on Tehachapi.

After the SMR implemented ProtoThrottles for the yard and branch switchers, there has been about a 40% reduction in train movements during the 3-hour op sessions. YMMV, especially given differing op conditions on differing layouts.

Don Mitchell

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