Is it possible to purchase a Dynamic Braking Kit for a HO Scale Set? So It would be just like the real train, where it sends electricity back to the Tracks.
Nope, the physics (yes, it is physics technically, electrodynamics and magnetodynamics) of it don't work out on a model. The only electrical part of a model loco is the motor. Where in a real loco, the diesel engine turns a generator (or alternator) which supplies electricity to the traction motors. When in dynamics, these traction motors act as generator, and the electric field is reversed. The excess energy is dissipated as heat. So in otherwords, the HO locomotive would have to somehow generate electricity to provide "dynamics" - and the quantity needed is out of the question without adding a diesel motor.
I model the Acela Express Bullet Train and I would of thought that the Power Car Can return the Energy back to Catenary.
Slightly off topic, I was talking to a Pennsy fan a while back and he told me the power company had to buy back power created by GG1's as they coasted down hills! Stated that the power companies knew when the locos were going downhill. Gary
Dynamic braking is for slowing the train down - right? In model railroading the drag on the motor and the associated gearing is sufficient to stop the train on any concievable track, assuming that the train doesn't slide down the track. In act there IS some dynamic braking going on when you slow down a heavy train, but it' not that significant. If you ever Do build up some trains that can't be stopped just by the motor, let us all know! That'd be one monsterous train, and I bet it'd really rumble as it ran around the track! Mark
Yup! And you would have to have one heckuva heatsink to handle the resistance radiation too ... I doubt that any plastic model shell or even solder on a brass loco could handle it!
To return to the original topic, the prototype Acela does return power to the catenary as the dynamic brakes are used. I think the point here is that an HO train does not contain that much kinetic energy as it moves, however, the Acela does, and that energy is returned to the catenary during dynamic braking. By the way, below about 10 mph, a prototype vehicle's dynamic brakes become mostly ineffective and the friction brakes must take over. Norm
On the other side of the hill i guess, I remember reading about some big electrics that would visibly lower the lights when under heavy loads somewhere. I wish i could find the article for the details. benjamin
What you're talking about is theoretically possible, but the issue is mechanical, not electric or kinetic. All locomotives I've ever had contact with use a worm gear at some point in their power train and therin lies the problem. A wormgear can turn a regular gear, but cannot be turned by that gear. If you could build powertrain that did not use wormgears, the motion of the train could indeed turn the motor, which could then act as a sort of dynamic brake.
