All operators must check in with the Trainmaster at least 30 minutes prior to the time of the planned run, and again at the conclusion of the run. (You may meet with the Trainmaster earlier if desired.) The Trainmaster will provide Train Orders and any final instructions or changes at this time. The Trainmaster will direct all DCC operators to the Programming Station to confirm locomotive numbers and programming. If one (or more) of your DCC locomotive addresses is already taken you must reprogram the
locomotive(s) before staging. The "00" analog address will not be available at Capitol Limited. For DCC multiple unit operation (consists) you may use either Advanced (Decoder Assisted) Consisting if your decoders support it, or you must program all locomotives in the consist to the same address (Basic Consisting). Command Station Assisted Consisting (Universal Consisting) is discouraged at Capitol Limited. All equipment must be in sound working condition. Clean all locomotive wheelsets prior to being placed on the track - a wheel cleaning station will be available. Clean all rolling stock wheels prior to the Convention, as this is where most of the gunk on the track comes from. With DCC operation, for continuous local and/or yard switching be sure to plug your throttle into LocoNet at a nearby Universal Panel as much as possible to reduce possible radio congestion. This will be monitored by the on-duty Dispatcher. At the conclusion of the run, all DCC locomotive addresses must be logged out from the System. When you have finished your operating time and have arrived at your specified location, you must report to the Trainmaster and check out. Transfer
from DC-to-DCC and DCC-to-DC Loops
The Red Line Route encompasses the entire layout, which includes DC- and DCC-powered tracks. There will be a transfer yard between the DC portion and the DCC-portion of the layout. Operation of DCC locomotives under DC power will be checked in the transfer yard before DCC locomotives are allowed to proceed into the DC portion of the layout; the Yardmaster may require problematic DCC locomotives to be replaced or exchanged for DC locomotives. DC locomotives must be exchanged for DCC locomotives before entering the DCC portion of the layout.
Movements into, within and out of the transfer yard are controlled by the Yardmaster. Operators should contact the Yardmaster for instructions when they are approaching the transfer yard.
Caution
Every precaution has been taken in the DCC design of
the Capitol Limited layout to ensure safe, reliable and continuous
operation, and protect DCC equipment, locomotive decoders and operators.
However, equipment failure or human error can occur which could result in
damage to equipment or locomotives. The most likely problem is an electrical
polarity reversal across an electrical district boundary. Such a problem
would manifest itself by a locomotive stopping with one of its trucks in one
district and the other in the second district, or even for one truck to stop
with one axle in one district and the other(s) in the second district. In
either case voltage and/or current higher than normal would occur, which
could damage the locomotive or melt one of the trucks. There can also be a
problem if a locomotive derails and the Power Manager or Booster does not
trip.
Operators
should pay attention to their train and immediately verify the location of
the locomotives should they stop unexpectedly, and, if bridging an
electrical boundary immediately move the locomotives off the boundary. If a
locomotive derails, re-rail it as soon as possible or remove the locomotive
from the track.
Consisting
The preferred method of consisting at Capitol Limited is either Basic or Advanced (Decoder Assisted) Consisting. UniVersal Consisting is discouraged due to requirement for a memory slot in the Command Station per locomotive; the use of UniVersal consisting requires the prior approval of the Digital Master. Basic or Advanced Consisting can be set up prior to the Convention or at the Programming Stations.
Basic Consisting
With Basic Consisting all locomotives in the consist are programmed to the same address. For locomotives moving in the forward physical direction program CV29 to 06/x06 for 2-digit address or 38/x26 for 4-digit address. For
locomotive(s) moving in the reverse physical direction program CV29 to 07/x07 for 2-digit address or 39/x27 for 4-digit address. Note: the first figure is the decimal value and the second figure, with the x, is the hexadecimal value. The DT100R and DT300R program in hexadecimal. The DT400R programs in either format.
Advanced (Decoder Assisted) Consisting
For Advanced Consisting only Digitrax decoders with EPF
(DNxxFX, DN14x, DN16x and DZ143) can be used. Decoders from Lenz, TCS, NCE and others that support DAC may be used. (Decoders without EPF capabilities must be Basic Consisted.)
Programming Decoders
Throttle directions for programming decoders are not provided here since staffed Programming Stations are available at Capitol Limited. The programming staff is fully qualified to provide assistance as needed in programming decoders.
Operations Mode Programming on the layout tracks is prohibited at Capitol Limited.
It is too easy to make an unintentional error with Operations Mode Programming that could cause problems for another locomotive or the entire layout.
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