Why doesn't the "new" big power...

[csmith9474]

I see plenty of coal drags along the Front Range on the joint line with both mid train and rear helpers. That makes for a lot of great railfanning with one train. It seems that most of the mixed freights are kept relatively short to avoid needing helpers, although I see it occasionally, so go for it!

[Anonymous]

I sometimes run helpers on my layout. For example if I have a train over 60 cars its normal practice to put at least one unit on the rear. I use DCC so Its no problem.

[nbrodar]

First, off fewer AC units are needed to produce the same power as DC units, so the overall horsepower/tractive effort is the same.

Second, and this a big thing....AC will lug down and crawl (the motors are almost impossible to burn up) so less helper power is needed. And railroads tend to size the trains to eliminate the need for helpers.

The other big thing, especially in the west are the DPU (Distributed Power Units), unmanned locos controlled from the head end. These tend to stay with the train for the entire trip.

Nick

[Anonymous]

It seems that virtually every UP tain I see come through here has a DPU on the rear-facing rearward. It seems to be the "helper solution" of the hour.

[joeyegarner]

Not sure I understand, but here in Huntsville when BNSF comes through with a load of hoppeers they always have a helper in the rear- AC's so it still goes on around here

As far as my layout goes I do use helpers if thier needed. It's a little tricky since I still use a analog system. Much easier with matching loco.

[GN-Rick]

With modern power comes the option now of "DPU" locomotives-radio controlled
"distributed power units" which nowadays take the place (in most cases) of
manned helpers. DPUs are controlled from the head end, but may be placed
anywhere in a train consist, thereby equalizing drawbar forces throughout
the train. This is a system similar in concept to the old Locotrol, but the new
upgraded technology makes DPU far more reliable.

[Anonymous]

Recent threads dealt with couplers strengths on the prototype. If you have enough horsepower, traction and energy to overcome a trains mass at rest and to keep the whole thing under control you can get it to move. But abuse the power at least one coupler on that train will break on you.

[trainboyH16-44]

I use the occasional helper, and I think that the prototype uses pretty much the same distribution through the train, at least here. CP usually has 1 AC4400 on the head and 2 mid train on Potash, and with coal it's 2 on the head and 1 on the rear.
Matthew

[Anonymous]

I have heard of folks not consisting helpers, and having multiple operators run the train. It sounded like a fun challenge.

[tstage]

David,

I'll only address the DCC issue. I would think that, whether you MU locomotives together (tethered), or separatey (mid train and/or end helpers), consisting them with DCC should be no different. The command station would treat either as one unit; either physical tied together or separated by cars.

Tom

[Anonymous]

Looking at the thread about helpers and the reference to Mid train helpers I am wondering why fewer modern (AC) locos don't rip all the drawbars out or split their trains with too much pull from the front? If it used to be necessary to put power in the middle or at the back why isn't it needed now? they haven't upgraded / replaced that much of the freight car stock have they... or have they?

Does anyone still operate their layout with mid train helpers? Does anyone do this with powered locos? With DCC?

With DCC do you match them in with your head end locos or drive hem seperately?