Running two steamers double headed under conventional power any problem ?

[Anonymous]

Can I harm either of my units A lionel 4-6-2 and a Lionel docksider by running them coupled together ?

Thanks, Dave

[Locomotive681]

No you wont harm them but if the 4-6-2 has more speed or power it will drag dockside. or vise versa.BY THE WAY HOW GOOD DO THE DOCKSIDE SMOKE.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Locomotive681

BY THE WAY HOW GOOD DO THE DOCKSIDE SMOKE.

Don't know yet. Just got it yesterday and didn't try the smoke. I do agree with others the whistle stinks. Sounds more like a Semi Truck than a steam engine. Dave

[lionelsoni]

It depends on what kind of motors and drive trains they have. The DC can motors want to run at a speed proportional to the voltage. Traditional universal motors tend to adapt their speed to the load. Two can-motor locomotives that would run at different speeds independently will react badly to being coupled, with the faster locomotive trying to do all the work. The slower one might actually increase the load if it has a worm drive, which tends not to allow the wheels to pu***he motor.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Locomotive681

No you wont harm them but if the 4-6-2 has more speed or power it will drag dockside. or vise versa.

BY THE WAY HOW GOOD DO THE DOCKSIDE SMOKE.

I'm guessing that the smoke will probably be proportional to the amount of sparks you get from dragging the little guy behind the 4-6-2...







Sorry...couldn't resist...

[phillyreading]

Running two steam locomotives is very tricky because the motors must match up in proportional horsepower or you will ruin both units. Running two 4-6-2's together or two docksiders should work, do not intermingle as motor burn-out is common on two unit hook-ups if they are not matched units. This is information that I know of from Lionel instruction books from a few years ago. Do not run two brand names together as that may have a bad outcme also.
With diesels the same applies, I run a diesel consist of four locomotives-two powered and two unpowered, the unpowered units do not have to match unless you want them to and can mix brand names on unpowered units only. Have you heard of helper locomotives before? This may give you more ideas on how to model your railroad.
Are you into information on the Reading Railroad? Reading actually outdates the Pennsylvania, but the name was Philadelphia & Reading in the 1860's. Also Reading
Lines was the fifth largest frieght hauler during the 1950's. Around 1908 the U.S. Government broke up the Reading under anti-trust laws, claimed that Reading was getting too big and so two companies emerged from that, the Reading Company(passenger) and the Reading Lines(frieght). If you like large steam locomotives like the T-1 Reading # 2102 or # 2128(4-8-4's rebuilt I-SO's in Reading's Shops on 6th street in Reading) go to Steamtown in Scranton PA.
There are some deisel locomtives of the Reading in Port Clinton(just north of Hamburg on route 61) turn left in Port Clinton or rolling stock in Temple PA on Tuckerton Road near 5th street hwy. Other railroad equipment in Leesport on Centre street, turn at traffic light on hwy 61 at Center street, should be the only light in Leesport.
I used to live in north Reading(Muhlenberg Township) and my grandfather worked for Reading Company.
Lee F. in south FL