Modelling Tip Of The Day – 25

Modelling Tip Of The Day – 25

This Modelling Tip Of The Day is an ongoing series, in which we’ll be posting a modelling tip that may be of use to the newbie right up to the seasoned modeller.

Today’s tip is:

DCC Programming Track

If operating your layout on DCC control it’s recommended you have a separate dedicated programming track to the main layout, for programming your locos. A section of track long enough a couple of locos or a DMU is all that is needed in most cases. Most DCC controllers have a separate power outlet for connecting to a programming track, usually labelled up as Prog, or Program. This provides power at a lower current to the programming track & thus won’t damage the loco or accessory decoders.

Another option for a programming track is to incorporate a built-in programming track on the main layout. This needs to be set up with a switch that will change over the main track power to the programming track outlet power. You’ll also need to fit isolating rail joiners to this section of track, to keep it separate from main track power supply.

We’ll post a video in the club to show how to incorporate a built-in programming track on your layout.