Moonman posted:But, many insist on playing these games and running conventional engines in ways they weren't designed to be operated.
That's an unusual way to look at it. And just how are conventional engines designed to be operated? The last time I checked, they use a variation in voltage to run at different levels of power and speed.
I believe the OP asked about using diodes to vary the track voltage on a downhill grade. I would guess that he wants to avoid having to work three different throttles at the same time. Automation on the layout is not breaking any rules that I'm aware of. C'mon man!