Hey all,

I've been in RP for a while, I'm trying to operate more realistically. Case in point, when rolling down a grade, dynamic brakes does not function as dynamic brakes (yes, I'm aware it's a sound). So I thought I'd add braking to the lead locomotive to simulate braking action but that does not work. Also, the brakes do not hold when accelerating from a stop (similar to the load function). There is the premise to my question. Thanks for the inputs.

Bryan

Load/momentum has a large effect on the brake action.  The higher the load, the longer it will take to brake.  And you'll need to hold the brake button down....as soon as you release it at all brake action ceases.

Hey Bryan,

Can you advise what action are you trying to achieve? Braking down from mainline speeds? Action like the TCS Drive Hold?

I think it's more like an independent brake vs. a train brake.

My layout is mostly switching, and "mainline" speeds are low. I set my accel & decel at 10%. If you then set load to say 20% (dependent on locos - some need more load), I find you can lower the throttle setting and as it's adjusting to your setting, you can use the brake. I generally use it for that last little bit, like during a coupling, or stopping after/before a switch point. I also use manual notching, so I can control the engine sound independently from the actual speed.

Hope that helps!

The throttle has to be set at 0 for the brake to work. Makes no sense.

echoing G8B4Life

In a steam locomotive, the power comes in through the tender and the drivers (sometimes) Some makers grab power from one side of the tender and one or more wheels on the locomotive opposite side. (sometimes)  Ideally; you want to pickup power across all of the wheels which help in power continuity. I may be wrong but it seems to me you are concerned about powering the rear light in the tender??? Please advise. Again, without seeing the original wiring, it will be hard to give specific guidance.

If my hunch is correct about the rear light, it will be fed power through the blue and yellow wires. Good luck!