Starting and Stopping Thomas

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I wanted a way to reduce the jolt of suddenly connecting the power transformer to a stopped train engine when using a 153C (Lionel) track connector which is designed to use the weight of a passing train to complete an electrical circuit.

  If you look at the diagram above I will explain what I am planning to try.  Assume two trains (I have Thomas and one of his friends in mind) is traveling clockwise around the loop.  It is going at a normal speed which is powered by the large transformer.  As it enters into the slow down block it is under the control of the small transformer which is set to a lower voltage.  The engine will visibly slow down and then come to a complete stop as it crosses over to the start/stop block which has no power coming into it. We plan to have a Station at that point on the layout so there is a reason to stop the train.  At the same time the companion engine running on the loop will be just about entering the blue section of track and the length of the stop will be the time required to travel the blue section.  That should provide a reasonable time for the stopped engine to be at the station.  This also gives the stopped engine a little built in rest.  When the second engine travels over the 153C controller the electrical contact is made and the power is taken from the slow down block and temporally fed into the start/stop block which will start up the engine at the station.  It will start more gently  and then increase speed after it travels a few feet and crosses over to the control of the large transformer.   I have shown two 153C controllers wired together to extend the time the circuit is powered and to provide a backup.

 After the engine passes by the controllers they will return to their normal condition which will disconnect power to the stop section so that the process will repeat.  By utilizing the slow down block, the two trains will take turns stopping and starting more realistically while providing less stress on the motors.

  By alternating the trains starting and stopping and by rotating the engines (We will have two Thomas's and two "Friends" or a total of 4 engines)  so that the Thomas portion of the display should be able to withstand the 40 day schedule plus 8 half days required to complete the 2011 Main Mall exhibit.  At least that is the plan.  I suppose we can always shut down the large transformer and give them a rest during the two 1 hour breaks that Santa takes or start them up on demand.
  We are also thinking of using an 'interactive' button on the Lionel and Circus loops as a means to 'be there when needed'  but also reduce the stress on those trains.  Glad to hear your thoughts.