Clinician: John Gallagher – Philly Express

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CLINIC: Operating Freight Trains Using Dead Rail/Power On-Board

DAY: Friday

TIME: 2:30-3:30p

ROOM: Berwyn

DESCRIPTION: Model railroaders face many challenges in providing effective power to operating model equipment. When different power systems must work on the same layout, the power sources can result in difficult complex wiring systems plus complex selecting of the proper power source on control panels. It becomes Murphy’s Law on steroids.

Traction modelers operate their trolleys using prototype practices. Both rails provide the ground or negative of the power system. The overhead wire provides the positive. This division of the power circuit exists in both the analog operations and DCC. How can traction modelers interchange with non-traction locomotives that operate two rail? One solution involves having the “two rail” locomotives carry their own power supplies on board and operate independently. In this clinic, a system of battery power [power on board] plus a DCC compatible control system will be discussed and demonstrated.

About the Clinician...

John serves as Assistant Superintendent and Director of Clinics of the New Jersey Division. He began model railroading in 1939 with a Lionel prewar semi-scale freight set that grew into a layout his dad built for him and his brother. At age 15, John’s interest expanded into O scale traction when he scratch built a single truck line car. His passion for modeling O scale traction to this day expanded to operating prototype trolleys at the Electric City Trolley Museum at Steamtown, Scranton for the past 19 years. In addition to a home layout, John actively participates in trolley modular displays as a long time member of the East Penn Traction Club.