Engineers in the dummy units gotta go.

[Smoke Stack Lightnin']

I wish manufacturers wouldn't glue engineers in dummy units.  They really ruin an otherwise good looking lashup.  These guys are really bonded to the shell.  Anybody have a safe way of extricating their little carcasses without distorting the shell?  I was thinking of turning a dremel grinding wheel loose on them!

Rich F.

[Jumijo]

Just paint them with Testor's invisible paint. That way, you won't see them, but you won't damage the train.

Jim

[Smoke Stack Lightnin']

I've never seen invisible paint?

Rich F.

[phillyreading]

Have you tried painting the engineer the same color as the shell? In other words you camoflage him.

Lee

[Jumijo]

You've never seen invisible paint?! Your local hobby store should have it in stock. Paint it on the figures instead of grinding them with a Dremel tool.

Jim

[lionelsoni]

You're not supposed to see invisible paint; so don't assume that your dealer doesn't have it.  After all, if it's in stock, they've got it.

By the way, the best brands use a pigment of unobtainium oxide.

[Anonymous]

They stock it by the light bulb repair kits.

[FJ and G]

Try a razor and mail the little carcass to me. Some of my locos are driverless

[Jumijo]

The Testor's brand uses Illudium as the active ingredient.

[Anonymous]

Despite all the flippant replies, Rich makes a good point.  The manufacturers could save a few cents by simply eliminating cab figures from dummy units (which would then tick-off those who operate A-A combos with the dummy unit facing forward).  Seems like it would be one of those darned if they do, and would be darned if they don't situations.

In the past, I've simply used an X-acto knife with a new (sharp) blade to make such modifications to locomotives I've had where I wanted to remove or replace the cab figures.

[dwiemer]

Like Allan suggests, some operate the dummy A up front.  Perhaps it would be best if they made all engineers capable of being removed without too much difficulty.  I would like that option.  Of course, I like mostly steam and post war, so I have to add my own figures.

Dennis

[lionelsoni]

Since a dummy is just a car masquerading as a locomotive, I generally run dummies first, to minimize the number of cars behind the real locomotive that are available for "stringlining".

[cnw1995]

If you run the engineered dummy up front and presumably the powered engine second in the consist, wouldn't you have the same problem: a little figure in the 2nd engine.  It's like my Western Hobbycraft trolleys have a motorman on both ends - I like it though - the interurban's in such good shape, they have conductors or two-man crews

[lionelsoni]

Right--it doesn't help the man-in-the-wrong-place problem; but it means that there is no good place to omit the figures that will satisfy everyone.

Actually, with newer air-conditioned Diesels and coated windows, it is almost impossible to see into the cabs anyway.

[dougdagrump]

I still can't understand why a loco sold individually as a "non-powered unit" doesn't come with even the most rudimentary functioning lights.   

[highrailjon]

I run my "dummy" engines in the front of the lash-up. That way I'm able to use my electro-couplers for the consist or uncoupling the "dummy" engine.

[ChiefEagles]

I run dummies in themiddle of the lash up due to the electro coupler thing.  I could add them I bet.  I have added smoke and lights [with off/on switch] to mine.  Was easy to do.  That way I can run it up front as the lead engine.

[RR Redneck]

I usually just ignore them.

[highrailjon]

Despite all the flippant replies, Rich makes a good point.  The manufacturers could save a few cents by simply eliminating cab figures from dummy units

You're kidding us, right?

[highrailjon]

Allan, Maybe you could share a picture of a lash-up on your layout so we might be able to concur with your opinion. Here is yet another lash-up on my layout. I would be all for having the figures removable rather then not there at all.

(Tom, You're going to have to "click" on the picture to enlarge it.)

[Jumijo]

I think it's kind of comical that someone is actually complaining about having too many figures in their trains. How many millions are running around out there without any?!!!! Most of mine roam the rails without any crew in the cabs at all. Our Lionel FT unit has two crew figures, but they have no lower extremeties! GASP!!!!

Jim

[Smoke Stack Lightnin']

In my situation, the dummy units that aren't tethered are non-illuminated and relatively expensive to upgrade for lead engines.  I will just go knife route, but only posted to make sure there wasn't some ingenious "magic pill" or plastic safe solvent that only acts on glue.  IMHO if manufacturers would either make them removable or include them separately would be nice.  With all the attention to detail these days, this one is so basic to be overlooked.  Why'd they have to use so much glue (MTH)?  Their figures didn't adhere with hot glued in PS1's, but they kinda over compensated with PS2's.  I mean these guys are just about molded into the shells!

PS.  Thanks to your suggestion Jim, I dropped the invisible paint in my lap and you can guess the rest.  Nothing comical about that!

Rich F.

 

[cnw1995]

At the risk of taking this thread in another direction, I'm curious how you synchronize two or more engines in a consist when running conventionally. I can see how it could happen using TMCC or DCS.

[lionelsoni]

Doug, this is from a recent topic:

Just cycle all but one locomotive into neutral and switch off their e-units.  In the neutral position, all the e-unit connections to the motor are open.  Then connect tethers among all the locomotives.  Three wires are the minimum you need--field and two armature wires.  However, a fourth wire to bus the pickups is a good idea; and a fifth for the common wouldn't hurt but is probably overkill unless the locomotives have few wheels.

[Anonymous]

Wait... how could you see invisible paint?

[FJ and G]

Wait... how could you see invisible paint?

normally, you would sprinkle some grits onto the invisible paint to make it visible

[lionelsoni]

Dave, that's an amaizing suggestion.

[RR Redneck]

Well I dont own any dummies so I never really had that specific problem.

[FJ and G]

I'm still awaiting a steam locomotive dummy from any railroad and any 3-rail company. I would like an engineer and fireman in mine. I have my invisible paint and grits ready. I'd like it to smoke too.

[Brutus]

David - I wonder if you have just hit on Chief's secret plan to strow invisible grits across the Nawth?  Jaabat - have you noticed an odd texture on the table where you two were working?

Seriously, I've tried to remove a glued on figure from a toy of my son's once and it was a nightmare.  I ended up razoring it off and then using some different grits (!) of sandpaper down to 320 or so I think to remove the glue/plastic welding deformity.  I think that you could go as high as 600 grit on the sandpaper to make it really glassy smooth.