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 Posted - June 02 2009 : 9:33:51 PM
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Another basic train knowledge question.  If I put two locomotives in the front of a train (one in front of the other) will it really help pull a train? I don't know if people do this just for show, or if it really helps. I assume it really helps, because they do it in real life, I'm just not sure if the same principles apply to model trains. Also, If I run two enignes at once, will my transformer raise the amperage (I think that is the right word . . .) to help with the second engine, or will it keep pumping out the same amount, and the engines will just run a little slower? One more question. If I use different brands of engines, will it wear down one of them because the motor is just a little different and it does not go as fast or as slow as the other one? Or does it really not matter. Thanks,
-Jacob
Quote: "I didn't fail, I just found 1200 materials that won't work"
-Thomas Edison
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 Posted - June 02 2009 : 11:05:16 PM
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The practice does increase the pulling power quite well and is really only limited by two primary things. 1. The power pack has to have the amps to cover the power draw and 2. the units should be closely matched in speed.
I have 2 P2K E8/9s that work very well together, I tend to run the slower one to the rear. I also have a Con Cor GP 38 that runs quite well with an Athearn GP 35.
My E8/9s can pull a 75 car train quite well at show on the club layout, my other pair could probably do at least as well, I just don't have the space and track to find out right now.
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Posted - June 03 2009 : 12:48:00 AM
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I read a few things about this. Plus all the messing around with different engines on my friends layout. I'll just toss out all the basics we usually run by.
First thing we look at is if the unit is shod with traction tires or not. I've heard since traction tires won't slip, any sudden jolts from another engine towing or pushing to hard will be transferred to the motor, shorting its life. That said the trend on some of the newer units seem to be just 1 or two lone tires if that, some of these will still allow a little wheel slip so if we find something close enough to run them with we will send them out.
One of the test we usually run we'll put the two units in question on the same track together and space them about a foot apart. Then turn the power up to about half way or so and just see how well they hold the distance between each other. For example my IHC 2-10-2 and my friends walthers 2-10-2 will actaully run very well together. They will barely gain a inch between the two after a full lap. I've managed to get my mantra 2-6-6-2 to run with a few things also.
Transformers, well just make sure you have a good one and your track (if really long) is wired in more than one point. That will help things greatly.
Just my 2 cents on the subject. I'm hardly a official on the matter so do take it with a grain of salt 
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Posted - June 03 2009 : 01:54:16 AM
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| When pairing A units back to back, I've found whichever A runs fastest backwards usually matches the engine on point the best - assuming a constant direction. I had thought HO locomotives would run the same speed in forward or reverse but mine don't! Maybe the high quality ones do?
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Posted - June 03 2009 : 10:29:38 AM
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Ok, thanks for the help. I'll see how my Tyco GP-20 and my AHM GP-13 work together.
-Jacob
Quote: "I didn't fail, I just found 1200 materials that won't work"
-Thomas Edison
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Posted - June 03 2009 : 12:10:29 PM
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Here is a example of two older Tyco units working together pulling 11 "red box" era cars (not seen in the picture).
The traction tires are long gone ...but the 2 units handled the train fine.
(also note there are no grades on the layout)
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Posted - June 03 2009 : 12:30:47 PM
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Thats neat. Did tyco make those engines specifically for that, or is one of them made to run backwards? or did you just switch the wires to the motor inside to make the one engine run in reverse?
-Jacob
Quote: "I didn't fail, I just found 1200 materials that won't work"
-Thomas Edison
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Posted - June 03 2009 : 3:17:55 PM
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| any locos put back to back on a dc system will run the same direction,not sure about dcc,ken
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Posted - June 03 2009 : 6:03:03 PM
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oh yeah brain fart
-Jacob
Quote: "I didn't fail, I just found 1200 materials that won't work"
-Thomas Edison
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Posted - June 03 2009 : 6:56:49 PM
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quote:catfordken Posted - June 03 2009 : 3:17:55 PM
any locos put back to back on a dc system will run the same direction,not sure about dcc,ken |
Assuming, the motors are wired correctly. I have a Tyco engine that runs in the opposite direction of anything else on the same track. Double heading would be like a tug-of-war
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Posted - June 04 2009 : 03:01:18 AM
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Assuming, the motors are wired correctly. I have a Tyco engine that runs in the opposite direction of anything else on the same track. Double heading would be like a tug-of-war
Originally posted by DaCheez-June 03 2009: 6:56:49 PM
[/quote]
Swap wires!
Erich
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Posted - June 04 2009 : 08:12:20 AM
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 neat PC loco taycotrains 
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Posted - June 15 2009 : 2:49:59 PM
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDRQRINlFBw&feature=channel
Three engines pulling freighttrain.
Erich
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Posted - June 15 2009 : 3:23:30 PM
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WOW! My Tyco GP20 had trouble pulling 5 cars up a slight incline. I am probably gonnna have to use more than one engine to pull 8 fully loaded Tyco hoppers . . .
-Jacob
Quote: "I didn't fail, I just found 1200 materials that won't work"
-Thomas Edison
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