DCC question

[rrinker]

You definitely don't want to make a habit of towing a power loco that isn't running. On the real thing, whent hey tow a dead loco, the wheels turn. Except for a very few models with spur gears and/or multi-screw worms, the wheels will NOT turn. The end results is a lot of drag and the possibility of wearing flat spots in the wheels.
I recall a number of years ago in MR there was an article on replacing the ordinary worms with the type that do allow coasting. It was directed towards steam locos, but the same techniques could be used for diesels. Of course, if you do that, you might need to find some way to add brakes for coming down grades....

--Randy

[Leon Silverman]

This is not a dumb question, but why not use a dumb answer, as in a dummy locomotive. At least you would not be stressing the powered locomotive.

[Anonymous]

Two Genesis F units can pull one Genesis F unit and five Walthers passenger cars. I found that out the other night when I forgot that not all of the lashup had the same address. The sliding wheels didn't make all that much noise. I knew something was wrong because it took forever for this train to come out of staging.

Bob

[Anonymous]

it's best to keep it powered, otherwise you will be applying to much pressure to the powered loco. Unlike a real loco, you can not disengage the wheels from the driving gears to allow the dead loco to free roll, thus just turn it's lights off and just power move it.

[Anonymous]

This may be a dumb question, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

In an operational situation, how does one simulate a move of a loco in need of repairs back to an engine service facility with decoder equipped locos?

I know I could do an MU lashup with the simulated lead engine and the simulated dead engine (also powered) in tow, but that would be faking it.

I guess the real question is can a powered loco pull an unpowered loco and the rest of the train under DCC? Or does the unpwered loco offer too much resistance due to it's gearing and the motor?

Doug