I certain this may have been discussed before but can't find it. I run conventional and have a push-pull set with a powered unit on one end and a dummy of the other. I'd like to have the correct lighting on the dummy based on train direction. I know I could run a jumper through the train but feel there must be a more "elegant" solution. I would be happy with battery or track power for the circuit.
All ideas appreciated.
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Here and here are two earlier OGR discussions you may be thinking of.
The first one focuses on a wireless radio/RF link from the head engine to the dummy engine. This is a dependent method requiring modification of each head/powered engine that might be paired with the dummy.
The second one has a sidebar where the dummy engine senses direction independent of the head engine; when changing direction the lights will be wrong until the dummy moves in the new direction. The obvious benefit is no modification is required to head engine(s).
A related independent solution for conventional operation would be to install a reversing-unit in the dummy for the sole-purpose of extracting direction...not so economical but many guys have salvaged reversing-units in the proverbial box-in-the-attic.
Shooting at the sky, I'm thinking maybe one of the pass. couplers that slide or extend telescopically for better gapping might be used as a trigger via micro sw. It would need another sw. or controlled relay to rev the dummy for an elephant line up vs opposed.
@Scotie posted:...
I would be happy with battery or track power for the circuit.
All ideas appreciated.
Does your dummy unit already have powered trucks? Can you post a photo of the truck - whether powered or not.
If it already has powered truck(s), what kind of circuitry, lighting, whatever is already inside. This will influence the way forward.
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