Double Headers

[ort007]

I have a question about running two or more locomotives on my HO layout. Since since no two electric motors operate at exactly the same speed for a given current, does it cause any problems to run two or more in tandem? I'm wondering about the load on the motors as one may be "pushed" or "pulled" in addition to the normal load from the consist. Just curious.
Thanks,
Ort007

[Puckdropper]

If you get two of the same model, they'll run close enough to double head. My bachmann standard series diesels have the same model motor, and run at almost exactly the same speed.

[cacole]

It's perfectly OK to run two or more locomotives together as long as a difference in speed doesn't start causing derailments. It would probably be preferable to have the faster of the two (or three) in front. If it's in the back, it might pu***he other locomotives off of the track on curves, but if it's in front, it will help pull them and should not cause derailments unless there is really a drastic difference in speed. This is where DCC comes into its glory -- individual locomotives can be "fine tuned" to run at exactly the same speed, regardless of manufacturer and type of motor. I have even successfully used 3 locomotives in front, a helper in the middle, and a pusher at the rear with no derailments.

[Anonymous]

Put the engines on the same track, decoupled. If they move together and nearly the same forward and backward at several speeds, they will probably work together coupled.
With DCC, you can program compatibility. Some folks add diodes in series to slow down the fast locomotive in DC.
LOL Lindsay

[Anonymous]

I agree with the comments about DCC. I did not get DCC to mu, but after using it I think that muing (is that a word ?) is one of it's best features

spike