Bob,
Barry's Companion Manual is essential in setup and understanding how it all works. But his solution to overshooting seems to sugest just live with it
That's not entirely correct.
It is true that if the route tends to creep a bit with each successive run, attempting to eliminate the creep completely is like attempting to teach a pig to sing - it frustrates you and annoys the pig.
However, page 107 in The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition provides a few techniques to use to minimize the problem:
There are a few additional things that can be done to improve accuracy, however, it's unlikely that any route will run perfectly for an infinite number of loops. Accuracy can be improved by doing the following:
• Take great care to end the loop exactly where it started
• Go slow and brake gradually when entering each station
• Ensure that all traction tires are in place and not overly slick or worn
• Check the tracks carefully for any power or conductivity issue that can cause the subway or trolley to
pause or stutter during its playback in Auto mode
• Stop the PS2 subway or trolley and note as closely as possible exactly where the beginning of the
engine is located in the station
• Keep the tracks clean
• When playing back the route, keep the speed to 20 or 25 SMPH.
Further, as discussed on page 108, using 2 remotes when programing a route can result in more control over speed and assist in a more accurate route playback:
Programming Subways and Trolleys Using Two Remotes
When programming a PS2 subway or trolley route, the DCS Remote does not show the speed at which the engine is traveling as it learns the route. This can make it difficult to know exactly at what speed the route was programmed so that it can be run in auto mode at the same speed. If a second DCS Remote is available while programming the route, it's possible to know the speed at which the route was programmed.
Utilizing the second DCS Remote during the programming process begins with selecting the PS2 subway or trolley on both remotes so that the engine is displayed in the Engine Control Screen of both DCS Remotes. Then, one remote is used as described earlier to start up and position the engine at the beginning of programming, and to press the soft keys involved in the learning process. The second DCS Remote is used to increase and decrease the speed of the PS2 subway or trolley, and to start and stop it during the route programming process. In this manner, the second DCS remote will always display the speed at which the engine is traveling.
This and a whole lot more is all in "The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", now available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book from MTH's web store site! Click on the link below to go to MTH's web page for the book!
