DC Loco Consist

[preceng]

Good Evening All,

I have a DC HO layout (No DCC yet). I recently expanded my track so I can have larger trains. I have been using 1 Loco and a dummy to represent consists. Now I need two Loco's (YEA[:)]). I have been placing the faster Loco in front, with the slower Loco second. As long as I match th Loco's it seemsto be working OK. My question is will this harm either engine?

As always ... Thanks.

[cacole]

This should cause no harm to either engine as long as the difference between the two is not drastic enough that the first engine is having to pull too hard and causing the motor to overheat. A simple way to determine this is to feel the lead locomotive after about 5 minutes of running -- if it is beginning to feel hotter than the other locomotive, they shouldn't be ran together. Assuming you're talking about diesel models, the motor will be near the center of the engine.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by preceng

Good Evening All,

I have a DC HO layout (No DCC yet). I recently expanded my track so I can have larger trains. I have been using 1 Loco and a dummy to represent consists. Now I need two Loco's (YEA[:)]). I have been placing the faster Loco in front, with the slower Loco second.

As always ... Thanks.

I too, have placed my faster P2K E7 loco as the lead loco but the general consensus favors
the slower unit on the point.

If brakie(Larry Morgan) is on board this AM perhaps he can validate that rational.

[Anonymous]

I would say the slower loco should be on point - to save overloading the couplers. I find the speed difference is cancelled out by the weight of cars in the train, and both locos end up pulling an equal part of the load.

[preceng]

Thanks