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Double slips applied: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/78/Double_slip_at_Munich_central.jpg

It should stall, not stop running. Well, it stops moving when it stalls, but it is still pushing! If it is still turning inside I would guess a gear is turning on a shaft, or something like that. Might be repairable, but probably a good chance of destruction in trying to fix it.

The physical act of connecting a computer to the layout isn't a big deal. Many DCC systems have the means to interface to a computer, DecoderPro and PanelPro can give you control. Thre is also a gizmo called Sprog which interfaces to that somftware, and to the layout, and can be used to run...

I agree with the one train per operator concept, whether you are using DC, DCC, or pushing them around with you hands! I'm sure there is an exception to every rule, but I think a second train for an operator is almost always a bad idea! Jim, I'm not going to try to concert you to using DCC...

I am a DCC guy, but I have always said that if you plan to only operate one train at a time, there really isn't a huge benefit. As soon as yo put the second train on, I will argue a bit! And I'll argue more on a small layout than a large one!

I don't care whether you choose to use DCC or not, but that's about the most ridiculous post I have ever read.

Hmmm, the only way that you can't be getting a short is if the wheels not quite the length of the section. Here is why, and it makes no difference what reverser you are using. In the two sections that are not the reversing section the "polarities" of the rails on the same wheel are opposite...

Making the physical gaps wider is not good solution. But even so, you should not have to change the track plan. You might have to move the electrically reversing section, but that should not be too difficult. If you could post plan, I'm sure we can figure it out!

The problem wasn't DCC. the problem was the manufacturer (and more than one do it) claiming that the loco is really as useful on DC and it is DCC. They do it to sell stuff, but it doesn't always work so well, as you have discovered.

Yes, that's the other side of the coin. The basic point is that you don't want to be crossing multiple boundaries of the "reversing" section at the some time, with the same train, or with different trains. One thing which gets lost in this discussion is that exactly the same rules exist in DC...

And if you choose to do that, you will probably decide that DCC isn't worth the money! For a little more, a Zephyr or PowerCab gives you a fully functional DCC system, with much less likelyhood of getting frustrated by what your system can't do.

I'll agree there. But as soon as you add train #2, I will disagree, quite loudly. DCC is at it's best on a small layout, with multiple trains. IMHO.

One of the tricks with reversing sections is that with some creativity you can "move" the section controlled by the reverser to a location that doesn't seem to be where the reversing section is. Sort of like reversing the main, rather than the loop in DC block/cab control. I agree with the...

Precisely. It really isn't a bad thing, you just have to allow for it.

Right, it is NOT only the engine that trigger the auto reverser. You can do it with a screwdriver! The reverser I have (the DCC specialties one) detects shorts across any of the four gaps, and reversers if any gap has a short, which is caused by a single metal wheel bridging the gap.

There was a fairly large section in the "Complete Book of Model Railroading", from the 60's. I think I can find it later.

I would not call Astrac DCC. There wasn't anything Digital about it. If I recall correctly, it used different AC frequencies. Each loco had a bandpass filter for its frequency, and then rectified the signal to drive the loco. I'm not quite sure how they dealt with direction, perhaps each...

I think a resistor wold work. But, I think that you may be able to program whether the readback is successful or not. It would be worth a try, anyway.

I believe that I have read that Mr. Kato pronounces if KAH-toe, but will answer to either, especially if you are buying his stuff! I can't see how GP is anything but JEEP, though I am more likely, myself, to say GP 9.

You might be interested in this: http://home.comcast.net/~bbmgroup/sprog/