Glossary - A
|
AC See Alternating Current.  See CA. A hole in the benchwork and scenery, sometimes concealed with a lift out section of scenery, for emergency access to parts of the layout. Decoder that provides power and operational control of one or more layout accessory devices, such as turnouts, signals, cranes, animation devices, lighting, etc. Also known as a stationary decoder. Automatic Car Identification; see Kar Trak. Used by the command station to communicate with a specific decoder. It can be either 2- or 4-digit, depending on the system, and is typically part of the locomotive's road number. Addresses are unique to each decoder. A miniature paint sprayer that gives a controlled application of thinned paint. Model track that includes simulated roadbed or ballast. Also called combination or "click" track. An electric current that reverses its direction of flow at regular intervals. Each move from zero to maximum strength and back to zero is half a cycle. A full cycle includes excursions in both the positive and negative direction. Meter used to measure current strength - for example, how many amps a locomotive draws when it stalls. Unit used to determine the amount of an electrical current. A steam locomotive with two engines (i.e., cylinders, rods, and wheels) under one boiler. A circuit that senses short circuits and reverses the polarity. Used commonly with reversing loops, wyes, and turntables. |
| Print this window | Close this Window |