May 2023 Update (4 years later): This April 2023 video https://youtu.be/pdaZyY0dnF0 shows 3 MTH trains on the same mainline, no blocks, 1 detector.
1. FYI: Experimenting With NCE Power Cab & Proto 3 Alco
- I have been experimenting (blundering?) with running the MTH Premier Proto 3 Alco S2 shown in the 1st photo, using the NCE "Power Cab".
- This seems to work. The loco pulling 7 cars, draws around 1.25 amps.
- The Power-Cab is fixed at 13 volts, and with the "as delivered" 1.35 amp power supply will provide up to about 1.35 amp.
- . (According to the NCE 'ZenDesk', it is rated for a continuous maximum of 2 amps, and a short term peak of 3 amps.)
- ~~~
- This Power Cab would probably be considered very "BORDERLINE" -- due to it's limited amperage and lower voltage.
- But for a small engine like this S2, and a not-too-long train, and running not-too-fast -- it might work (such as for around a Christmas tree).
Voltage Drops
- When actually pulling the train, that 13 volts seems to drop down to around 12 or 11 volts.
- When the voltage drops below 11 volts, then the loco seems to start "jerking".
- . ((If I use my larger 5 amp NCE "Power Pro" system set at its maximum of 16 volts, I don't observe the "jerking" problem.))
- . ((FYI: Using my 5 amp NCE "Power Pro" system, and holding my hand in front of the loco to "stall" it -- my DCC "RRampMeter" says the loco is pulling over 3 amps.))
- ~~
- Due to its current and voltage limitations, I can NOT recommend spending the $160-$180 to buy a new PowerCab.
- But if you already have one, or can borrow one from a friend, it is something you could experiment with.
(text CONTINUES below 1st photo)
O27 Problems: This S2 loco does not seem to want to go around O27 curves, as shown in the photo below (I need to learn more about this). The photo above shows it operating on MTH O31 Realtrax. (MTH says it needs O31 minimum curve, even though it's the same 12" length as the SW9s/SW1500s, and the catalog says the SW9s operate on O27.)
2. Notes About The DCS/DCC Switch
(as I understand it)
- As I understand it, ALL MTH Proto 3 locos have decoders capable of running on both DCS or DCC.
- But not all of them come with the DCS/DCC switch on the bottom.
The Switch:
- When Proto 3 came out in approximately 2011, all Railking and all Premier locos had the DCS/DCC switch.
- All Proto 3 Premier locos still have that switch (2011 to present).
However, around 2014, the switch was REMOVED from the Railking locos.
- The decoders in the post-2014 Railking locos that don't have the switch, are still capable of running on DCC, but you have obtain the parts (the switch & 2 screws) and ADD the switch yourself (or have someone talented do it for you).
- MTH has a 2-page PDF instruction sheet showing how to do this.
- Alternately, there is a jumper wire inside the loco that you can just CUT -- and then the loco with run on DCC, but will NOT run on DCS.
- Said another way, apparently that switch "opens" that jumper wire connection to run on DCC, or "closes" that jumper wire connection to run on DCS.
3. I'm Working On A VIDEO of This:
- I'm trying to make a VIDEO -- showing the NCE "Mini-Panel" (shown in below photo) controlling this loco AUTOMATICALLY
- Preliminary testing leads me to believe we can do it.
More FYI, re Previous Videos:
- Under the 'AutoControls.org' video series, I have made a bunch of videos showing automatic control of N/HO/S and Largescale trains, but not yet O gauge.
- FYI #3: There's a "compilation" video that shows some of setups operating.
- This link https://youtu.be/le6Bsz66ndo?t=410 should take you to the 6:50 minute point in that video, where the DCC part begins (the 1st part of the video is analog). Note this video is FAST FORWARDED. (It's a compilation of 18 videos.)
