Model Train Question

[Anonymous]

Hi,
I'm new to this forum and getting back into model railroading again. My question is (And it's probably a stupid one) What is a "Dummy" Engine and what is it's use in pulling a model train? I see powered units and "Dummy" units. Are they not self powered? I've seen them used before on some layouts, just was never sure what their purpose was. Any help would be great!
Thanks

-JF

[Anonymous]

The Dummy is without an engine. In real life there's no such thing so most model professionals
will not use them.
Appearence wise, it's a cheap way out. Usually an observer can't tell the difference when the model train is running.

[Anonymous]

Ah ok!
So basically it's just another car on the train for the powered unit to carry along?
Can two powered units pull toghether a long train or does that cause problems with the wattage distribution? THis is for an HO scale set.

Thanks for the reply!

-JF

[Anonymous]

1) Correct, just another car to haul.

2) Yes, but there are a few varibles to consider.

Generally, you may connect two identical engines together , GP 20s, 30s, F7s, PAs etc of the SAME manufacturer. I would not connect a Stewart F with a Bachmann F.
Also an E7 is much more powerful than a GP20 even if it is the same manufacturer.

Most important is output of the power pack which is usually measured in voltamps and stated on the back of the pack(7 or 12 or 20 Va.

The amount of loco draw to operate is between .3 and .5 ampere of current. The pack must be able to deliver sufficient current to all of the locos
that you want to run on the same track/time.

Divide the VA rating by 12 to get the approximate amperage.

If you have a Walthers reference book go to the MRC power pack section and you will see a chart giving the breakdown and the number of engines that pack model will handle

[Anonymous]

I have a MRC 9500 model pack with a rating of 20VAs. My Lifelike Proto 2000 heavy diesels draws up to .5 amps. I should be able to run six locos. Divide 20 by 12 equals a total of 1.6 amp output.

Starter sets do not have this kind of capacity.

[Anonymous]

Hey cool!
Thanks Charles for all the information! I'm going to save this for when I start my layout.
I guess one last thing for now, what would you recommend for Train Brand? Someone years ago told me that they use all Athearn. That's what I'd like to stay with.
What's the work horse of the HO scale world?

Thanks again!

-JF

[Anonymous]

One thing I forgot in my last post,
What are the most powerfull engines to use? You mentioned something about an E7? I'm looking on this Train outlet site and I see some that are close. What is recommended and how many cars can they pull?

-JF

[Anonymous]

Selection of a steam/diesel can get very complex.

There are over 15 model manufacturers listed in the Walthers Reference book.

We have chevies, fords, chryslers, lincoln and caddies and always a lemon or two.

Prices on diesels start out at $12.00, Trainworld ad in MR up to $105.00

Steamers, $50/$60, up to $200.00 for the lifelike 2-8-8-2, $360.00 for the Rivarossi Allegheny and $500.00 for the Trix Big Boy.

Here again there are many variables to consider.

[Anonymous]

In addition to 15 plus manufacturers, each manufacturer makes many models so you should try and take a look at the Walthers reference book.

The selections, quanities, qualities can be overwhelming and in a nut shell it's what's under the shell that counts.

[Anonymous]

Ok, Thanks again!
I'll look around, but I may stay with Athearn. I once saw a 2 engine Diesel Carry roughly 27 car Container train around the layout. It wasn't very fast, but it was the realisim that got me. Before I had always seen these little 6 car trains that would usually buckle along the curves. Man that thing was Awesome.

Thanks again!
-JF

[Anonymous]

Athearn has been around for a long-long time . Make a ton of models, moderately price.

They also have an up-scale line called the "Genesis
Models". Big jump in price.

Another manufacturer is Lifelike. They have their basic model, then the P1000 series and the P2000 series.

The 1000 is moderately price much less detail, good engine and comes with a limited warranty.

The 2000, good detail/engine/warranty will cost you much more.

See the ads in Modelrailroader by standard and trainworld and you should see the price difference.

I have both series, both good runners and happy with the cheaper 1000 series.

I don't own Athearn so I'm not qualified but I hear they hold up forever.

Happy railroading

[Anonymous]

Here's a comparison out of ModelRailroader Nov 02
Trainworld ad, page 53 in the proto 1000 colume.
F-7A( this is Not a 1000 series) $11.99

Page 52, MRC, F-7A, $64.99

Standard ad, page 108, Athearn Genesis, F-7A, $89.99

Confused?, I would be.

[Anonymous]

IMHO

Athearn, for starting out is a good way to go. there not real expensive , but a very well made model.
when you have the extra $$ its nice to invest in a more expencive one, then you can really tell the differance on how they act on your layout.

and the good thing, your old Athearn's units you may like to repower sometime with a better motor ect.. its all a learning experance.