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I'd say it depends on the locos. I'd suggest that a A-B-B-A set (all super powered) of the Athearn Blue Box F7s would probably haul more than four of their Dash 9s. This would be due to the higher weight and axle loadings (hence more traction). I've had a powered A-B set on some hefty intermodal trains where a pair of Dash 9s have obviously been working hard, but the Fs cruised away with no problems. I also have a Bachmann Dash 8 that has far more haulage ability than the Athearn Dash 9 though it's not noticably heavier. <br /> <br />If you're aiming for maximum haulage abilities (mainly for crowdpleasing at club exhibitions, as few people are lucky enough to have a layout of their own of that size - I certainly don't!), I'd suggest filling every available space in the locos with lead ballast (I massively improved an Athearn PA by doing this, it'll pull anything now) and fitting metal wheels to all stock (these decrease rolling resistance noticably - fitted a few Athearn cars with Proto metal wheels and they are now noticably more free-rolling). You'll also need a power unit (transformer/controller) with plenty of amperage to cope with the loadings, as most starter units won't cope with four locos being worked hard!
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