Track power
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The term Track Power refers to the power applied to the rails on a model railroad. This power is primarily used to provide power to locomotives or other track equipment, but is also used to power lights in passenger cars, accessories on cabooses, and other items as well. It's important to proved a constant source of power to your rails to keep equipment moving.
[edit] DC Operations
In DC operations, a power pack or speed controller is used to apply power to the rails. The power pack will have a speed control knob that varies the amount of voltage applied to the rails, thereby varying the speed of the locomotive. With DC operation, only one train can generally be controlled per track segment. When multiple trains occupy a single DC track block, both trains receive the same amount of power and, in an ideal world, should travel at the same speed. However, this is not always true, as different motors spin at different speeds, and locomotives with multiple head lights will generally travel slower than one with no head lights.
[edit] DCC Operations
In DCC Operations, constant track power varying from 12 to 18 volts is applied to the track. An additional control signal is added to the power before going to the rails. This control signal carries commands that are picked up by decoders installed in the locomotives to control speed and accessories, such as special lighting or sound. This addition of the control signal allows multiple trains to be operated in one block with individual control of each train. It's this aspect of Digital Command Control that allows for multiple operators to get together for operating sessions and bring a model railroad to life.
