I mentioned this in another forum and got a less than enthusiastic response, but I think there might be a couple folks here who might like it, so here goes..

Momentum is a great way to simulate the weight of a train.  It makes operation more challenging and thus more fun.  However, it's not realistic or fun to try to switch a yard or industry with a lot of momentum.  The problem is that there's no way to vary the amount of momentum used based on the train or location.

Or is there?  Maybe DCC makes it possible.

I need some help in running an electrical problem to a hole. I have installed a decoder on an Atlas S-4 and have a light but no motive power. This unit has been checked twice by myself and another person.

1. All wires are attached correctly and the decoder is good.

2. Contact shoes are in place and universals are correctly installed with no binding.

3. Positive and negative leads are soldered and there are no kinks nor bare "cuts." 

STRETCH BRAKING was the common way of reducing speed and stopping a train before the development of Dynamic Brakes and the elimination of the caboose.  The Locomotive would work enough power to keep the slack stretched in the train while an application of train air brakes would slow the speed of the train.  Keeping the slack stretched was important to avoid slamming the crew in the caboose.

I have a SoundTraxx DSD-LC sitting around, having put it away some time ago after an apparent failure.  Today I tested it, and the results are interesting..

I'll start of by admitting that I tried to make my own circuit board to mount it in a small tender, and I had a couple shorts in the traces where I should not have had any.  I goofed.  The funny thing is, the thing still ran, just no sound.