MU Question and more

[JGray]

I have an N scale, all steam layout using a Digitrax Zephyr.  Part of my loco fleet is a pair of Proto 0-8-0's (#'s 361 & 362)..  I have installed decoders in both.  One uses a Digitrax, the other uses a TCS.  When I try to MU the two with #361 as the top loco and #362 as the added, they run in opposite directions.  When I MU with #362 as the top and #361 as the added, they do just fine.  Obviously, the solution is to always with #362 as the top.  I'm just wondering if anyone knows why they won't  MU with #361 as the top?  Also, while we're at it.  One reason for MU'ing the two is to haul around a Tony's track cleaning car.  None of my locos will single handedly move the solid brass car on level grades much less the max. 2% on my layout.  The two 0-8-0's operated as an MU will. I'm wondering how much of a strain I'm putting on the 0-8-0's doing this and is it too much of a strain on the traction tires.   Can anyone recommend something in the way of a dirt cheap DC, 8 wheel drive diesel that I can use to haul the track cleaner around?

THX.

Jim

[locoi1sa]

  Hi Jim.

 Depending on what version of the TCS decoder there was a glitch in the decoders software that when MUed using CV19 the loco would run opposite of the desired direction. I have a couple of these in HO locomotives that do it. A work around of this glitch was to MU as usual and cycle the power to the track. When the power comes back the loco would respond in the intended direction. Try this and get back if it works for you.

     Pete

[JGray]

Hey Pete

The TCS decoder is a Z2.  I went straight to the train layout and tried the MU with 361 as top and 362 as added.  They tried to run in opposite directions as usual.  I cycled the power on/off and the direction fwd/rev and sure enough, it worked.  Its now MU'ing with 391 as the top.  This is not the first time you have provided the answer to my questions.  Thank you very much.  ' don't suppose you have anything to add re: using the two 0-8-0's to haul the Tony's track cleaner around i.e. am I putting too much strain on the locos or too much wear on the traction tires.  Neither loco slips while doing this.  I'm just wondering if I might be better off using some sort of low cost DC powered 8 wheel powered desel chassis for track cleaning.

[rrinker]

 Interesting, because unless you changed the OpSw in the Zephyr, using the MU button does NOT use CV19. But if it works..

 I don;t think you are overloading the locos - as long as they can slip their wheels if you physically stop the train, it's not overloaded.

 For cleaning the club modular layout, we usually couple on 3 diesels. One, to make sure it doesn't stall, and two, because we have 3 track cleaning cars coupled to it. The first one is a masonite skid car, then a Tony's car with mineral spirits, then a centerline type car with a handi-wipe to pick up what the solvent loosens and dry the track. 3-4 trips around each main and the layout is ready to go after setting up - not bad considering the modules are not stored in a sealed climate controlled area between shows, and the trailers aren't 100% sealed up either.

                                --Randy

 

[locoi1sa]

  Your welcome Jim.

 The version of software in the offending TCS decoder may be version 35 or 37. Just cutting the power usually fixes it. As for loading up the 0-8-0s like Randy said if they can freely spin the wheels they will be good. I don't know if the cleaning fluid will ruin the traction tires.

      Pete

[MisterBeasley]

I've also had issues with TCS decoders not running in the right direction when MU-ing. And, I've also fixed it just by tilting the offending engines sideways, so that all wheels on one side left the track, and then putting it back down. Not elegant, but it cuts power to the engine and then it works fine. I also use a CMX Track Cleaning car, the one from Tony's. I'm in HO, but the idea is the same. I pull mine behind two subway power units, because the rest of my engines won't fit in the subway tunnels. I usually put the CMX between the two subway motors, but they have all-metal wheels. If I were using locos with traction tires, I would put all of them in front of the car, to minimize the amount of cleaning fluid that gets on the tires. Originally, I used isopropyl alcohol as my solvent. I tried lacquer thinner, which they recommend as the "more aggressive" solvent, and I've found it works better. It also is a better lubricant, and I find that the car is easier to pull with lacquer thinner than with alcohol. So, if you're having trouble pulling the car, try lacquer thinner and see if it works better.

[cudaken]

 Jim, far as cheap pulling power look at Proto 1000 F units. Having never had you kind of cleaning car I don't know how traction effort is need. But a single F 3 has pulled 25 cars on my layout. Should be able to find a used one between $25 and $40.00. I would all so install a decoder, some of the PK 1000 are DCC ready with a plug, some have to be hardwired. Motor is not grounded to the frame so it is simple to hard wire.

          Cuda Ken