On my former layout, I had on-off switches periodic around my main-line because and only because it was a DC layout that I converted in 2003 to DCC. Now that I am building the 3rd layout from the ground-up for DCC, I see no reason for on-off switches along the main line. However, I will put them on sidings, industries, as well as very liberally placed in the fiddle yard. Also, I will block of course 3 power districts on my layout. But periodic on-off switches on the main-line, I just don't see the need. Thoughts?
With DCC, locos don't (or shouldn't) move unless they've been intentionally acquired/selected by a throttle, so it isn't necessary to kill the power to a siding that is holding an idle loco or two. I would consider it to be bad practice to use a switch to disable a loco instead of properly deselecting it. One situation where it could be beneficial might be in facilities with a larger number of idle locos, particularly those with sound decoders, in order to reduce overall current draw. Another might be in the case of a siding that leads to the edge of the layout, to avoid the risk of a train dropping off into the void because somebody didn't realign a turnout. No doubt there are many other good cases as well. As a general principle though, unless you can identify a good reason to do so, then there's probably no point in adding on-off switches just because you can. Regards, Ron
Okay Ron. Thanks. I like your answer even better. I will have a five track area in my fiddle yard for loco's. I had planned to put switches there. Your answer on sidings etc., makes sesne and is consitent w/ my feeling to eliminate them from mainline sections. I agree w/ your reasoning. Thanks..
Damaging spikes (damaging to DCC decoders) can occur where there's a short circuit when the short is removed with power applied.....there are several methods to prevent these issues, but the best way is to have a track segment unpowered when a loco is initailly placed on the rails to prevent a short in the first place. At my local club, we have dual use for most sidings, for DCC and DC, using DPDT switches with a center off position......club policy is to place the appropriate swith to the OFF position when placing a loco on the tracks, so maybe you should also use so switches for the same reason. It certainly won't hurt anything, and could prevent issues cause by spikes on DCC.
