When the ARSC is properly installed,
you can run any DCC-equipped loco through the reverse section in either
direction, enter and back out, or do any other type of operation through
or within the reverse section without having to think about anything
but running your loco. There should be no hesitation as it crosses any
gaps, and the system should never be shorted to cause the booster to
shut track power off.
However, analog locos (locos without
decoders) and locos that do not have all-wheel power pickup pose a slight
problem.
Analog Locos: An analog loco will not
go through any reverse section without your intervention. Because the
polarity on the track dictates the direction of the analog loco, the
loco will instantly reverse direction when it hits the exiting portal.
It will enter just fine, but will not exit.
However, if you time it just right
you can get it to exit. When the analog loco enters the reverse section,
get your finger ready to press the direction button. The instant the
loco's front wheels hit the first set of gaps (or a split second before),
press the direction button to reverse the loco's direction. When the
ARSC reverses the polarity to match the exit track, your reversing overall
track polarity will counteract it and the loco will continue going forward
- two reverses make a forward.
Locos without balanced power pickup:
These locos will NOT trigger the ARSC to set proper polarity. The solution
is to add power pickup. Many people dread the idea of doing this, but
the Tomar all-wheel power pickup
kit we carry makes it fairly easy. If you want to see how it's done,
check the article about it on page 112 in the March 1995 issue of Model
Railroader. Adding power pickup not only will make the ARSC work,
but will produce a better running loco to boot. |
