Test track????

[jflessne]

Do any of you have a seperate test/programing track?

What length do you recommend? Two tracks? Any Curves?

I'd like to use this to test decoder installs etc. Consisting and speed adjustments also.

 

[jim currie]

when i used DCC i had a 6 ft program track.

 

[jflessne]

Jim,

Do you have any turnouts etc?

 

[steamhead]

Hi,

My programing track is about 20" long and forms part of my yard. I have it wired with a DPDT switch, so I can incorporate it into the "main line" to check for adjustments I do. If they're not right, I roll the engine back to the programming track & set it to "Program" and do whatever is needed.

Gus (LC&P).

 

[jim currie]

no turnouts

 

[UP SD40-2]

jflessne, on the layout i have now my program/test track is 8'. on previous layouts it was only 1.5'. i don't know what system you are using, but i use Prodigy Advance, so i really only use the program/test track to read the decoder. all programing and CV adjustments i make while the engine/s are on the fly on the mainline:thumb:. -Deano

 

[brakie]

I prefer a 6 foot long test track.
The reasons are:
1.Creep ability of my locomotives..If my locomotives won't creep 6 foot then I tweak the drive till it does.
2.Freight car rollability..I elevate my test track just enough that the car will start rolling and roll the 6 foot.If the car doesn't roll the 6 foot then its worked on till it does.
When I was using DCC I had a 1 foot test/programing track that I used.