Wouldnt the ideal voltage for powering trains be at least 50 volts so tracks could be run dirtier and conductivity around switches would be more reliable? And wouldnt AC be better than DC? The locomotives would be digitally controlled through the rails, each loco would respond to its own address code. The same with switches, etc. Also, I would program each locomotive to be realisticly powered and weighted so it would have the correct scale draw-bar pull. No rubber tires to inhance traction, that's not realistic. Also, each coupling would be digitally addressed so any coupling could be opened or closed anywhere at any time. Plenty of space in each car for the needed mechanisms.
Posted by millcstl (Member # 60) on :
Interesting concepts...especially for one who is not DCC literate at this point anyway. However, would 50v operation take our equipment out of the Class "B" electrical codes most areas have?? I really like the Idea of the auto-anywhere uncouplers. Scott
Posted by Challenger (Member # 1298) on :
50 V track power, Bad Idea. First off you get knocked on your butt when you inevitably layed your hand across the rails whuile engergised. plus 4 amps power draw which could concivelbly happen on a model railroad is eneugh to stop your heart.
The safety issue can be solved by programing the control hardware to instantly cut the power to the rails if it sees a current draw that it did not "authorize". All legitimate current will be known by the software, as all devices on the rail will be addressed and their amp draw set by the operator and known by the software.
Posted by Kennedy Model Trains (Member # 808) on :
Sounds like a good concept, aside from some minor problems. Number one, nobody would ever allow a company to market something like that. It has way too much potential to be dangerous/deadly. Number two, A/C creates a hum/buzz sound while operating, that is more pronounced in smaller motors. This would be an annoying thing that would have to be solved before using. And, last but not least, at higher voltages, what would have been a spark at 12v is now a contact-melting arc. This is why cars still use the 12v electrical. Imagine how much of a spark you would get trying to jump-start a 48v electrical system! Another thing I almost forgot about, is that it would loose the current FCC rating that modern 12v-18v packs have. It would be excellent at zapping crud off of the track, but every time it zapped, it would cause interference with your radio, tv, and possibly even computer. It would be a great system, if these problems could be addressed, but then you take away the very things that make your idea what it is.