Tomix 5512 DU202 Cab Controller

[brill27mcb]

The technical term for the "tram brake" operation is "straight" air brakes. The operator takes a "bite" of air in the apply position, then goes back to the lap position to hold that pressure. The art is in knowing how much air pressure is needed for a smooth stop in a specified distance. As Bill said, the operator will usually go briefly to release to vent a little pressure off and then go back to lap, to smooth the final stages of the stop. The other style is called "self-lapping" brakes, where the more you go to one side with the handle, the more braking action you get. The straight air brakes came first, and the self-lapping design was a big improvement. The next big improvement was the safety feature for train brakes, where the control line pressure actually keeps each car's brakes off. Each car has a reservoir tank to apply its own brakes. That way, if a break occurs in the trainline air piping or hoses, the brakes come on instead of losing all air and having no brakes.

 

So the DU202 brake action is based on a self-lapping brake system. One thing I'm not clear on is whether the model train gradually loses speed with no power and no braking applied, like a real train would lose momentum, or whether it just coasts on indefinitely.

 

Rich K.

[CaptOblivious]

Bill, Rich, thanks for the great information!!

 

So the DU202 brake action is based on a self-lapping brake system. One thing I'm not clear on is whether the model train gradually loses speed with no power and no braking applied, like a real train would lose momentum, or whether it just coasts on indefinitely.

 

With no throttle, and no brakes, the train will eventually coast to a stop. Throttle, brake, and rolling friction elements are all modeled independently in the throttle, so you can get some interesting interactions: Full throttle will make the train just begin to move under moderate brake pressure; at high speeds, the train will coast to a lower speed when the throttle is set on notch up from neutral, etc.

[bill937ca]

Here`s a prototype with very similar controls, now in a museum. Its a Series 183 Asusa with lots of bells and whistles to play with.

 

[Mr Frosty]

I recently picked up a Gaugemaster DS. This is a twin track controller with switchable "simulation mode". This provides Individual control of power/coasting & braking using a separate regulator and brake. These can be had second hand from ebay for about £30 - £40, which compares quite favourably to the new price of £160.

 

Manual

http://www.gaugemaster.com/instructions/ds.pdf

 

 

ebay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gaugemaster-DS-Twin-Track-Controller-Simulation-And-Brake-12v-N-OO-Gauge-/320897447620?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item4ab6fa76c4