Newbie question; How to RC multiple motored locos

[50calMal]

I've successfully converted a couple of my locos to battery RC, using the RC Trains/Deltang system, but they are all single motored locos (Bachmann Annie and an LGB shunter). I'm now looking at how to add RC control to twin motor bogie diesels. I have a couple of LGB White Pass Alcos that I'm thinking of converting, Ideally to run in multiple under one RC receiver. Can anyone tell me if this is possible (I assume it must be as the RC aero modelers fly multi motored models) and if so what systems are available or what components would I require. Thanks for any advice, Malc

 

[PhilP]

Hello Malc,
There are two parts to this..
Firstly, in a single loco, the motors are wired in parallel, just like the standard LGB wiring.
You will need a larger speed controller, though.

Secondly, multi-heading, or even having a number of power-units throughout your formation.
You can either run control through the train, or bind multiple receiver's to the same transmitter (or Selecta position).

It depends on how often you want to run multiple units together, and if you want the ability to run the loco's individually, at other times.

PhilP
Phil@rctrains.co.uk

 

[dunnyrail]

I have a few double motored locomotives, none of which are my Deltang ones (of which Phill is more experienced than me) however I have done 5 or 6 double motored locs/railcars (LGB/Piko/USA/Trains chassis/TrainLine45) with Fosworks with some by Battery DCC with no issues. The aspect of Battery is neither an issue as with direct feed to Motors there is no need to worry about High Voltage as one does with Track Power which is a lot to do with getting enough current via track. Thus 12v or slightly plus or therabouts will work fine. Though more power will likely give you longer running. Here sowmeone will pick up the issue if Power/Amps which does have an effect on run time. As for double heading, the newer Fosworks binding (much easier) means that 2 locomotives can be bound to the same transmitter allowing double heading, not quite as simple (?????) as with DCC.

 

[Tony Walsham]

Deltang do not make an ESC/Radio Rx combination. that can handle the higher voltage requirements of stock LGB - AristoCraft - USA trains locos.
That is not a problem as Fosworks make the #COBRA-260 Centre OFF 100 watt (up to 24 volts) ESC that will fit the bill using any standard servo signal output.
I offer a low off control version of the same ESC called the #OMEGA-10.
It does of course require two channels instead of just one, but, does give more precise speed control across the range.150° to full speed instead of 90° 0-to full speed.

 

[50calMal]

Thanks chaps for all your answers/advice. Now I know it is possible, I can start thinking about the logistics. Once I get my current project off the workbench I can start organising the next!

Malc