Train Lash-ups

To pull long consists as in the following video. I like to run real rail freight like you see in action today.

Ok I think I get it. Nice video, thank you. 

Could you run 2 sepetate trains on the same track at opposite ends of loop.  Like each pulling their own load without colliding?

With MTH DCS yes..hoping the Legacy guys will jump in to help answer your questions.

Dkokoszka posted:

Could you run 2 sepetate trains on the same track at opposite ends of loop.  Like each pulling their own load without colliding?

Yes, I do it all the time. 

I've run 3 on the same loop with Legacy, not in a lashup.

If you search on these here forums, a while back I posted a how-to video on making a lashup with Legacy.  I'll let you do the search instead of posting a direct link because A) it's good practice to get a hang of the search feature, and B) you might find other threads you'd have missed otherwise that might help you increase your knowledge on the subject.

Dkokoszka posted:

Could you run 2 separate trains on the same track at opposite ends of loop.  Like each pulling their own load without colliding?

This is fundamental feature of ALL command control systems. It does not matter whether it is TMCC, Legacy, DCS, DCC, RCC or whatever, all command control systems allow you to do this.

With the old-fashioned conventional control, you used your transformer to communicate with the TRACK, not the TRAINS. When you moved the lever on the transformer, all the engines on that TRACK would move. You could not control them individually.

With command control you are not communicating with the track. You are communication with each individual locomotive. That means you can control each locomotive individually. You can run multiple trains on the same track and have separate control for each of them. Whether they collide or not is dependent on the skill of the engineers running the trains!

Lashups, which are more properly called "Multiple Unit Consists" are used when you want to run a train that is too heavy for a single locomotive to pull. You combine two or more locomotives into a Multiple Unit Consist to get the pulling power you need to handle the train.

I would recommend that you purchase a copy of our TMCC video. I know you have Legacy not TMCC, however, the TMCC video explains the fundamental differences between Conventional and Command Control. I think you would find it a valuable learning experience.

Lash Up...

I just KNEW you were going to post that image!

OGR Webmaster posted:

I just KNEW you were going to post that image!

Always have it ready!

It's the consistency of the forum that provides comfort!

OGR Webmaster posted:

I just KNEW you were going to post that image!

Always have it ready!

I have found that this knot works best. It allows you to cinch things up after you tie the knot.

When tying this knot, once you start wrapping the standing end NEVER change direction. Just loop it in-in-out.

Seriously, with TMCC or DCS Remote Commander, the factory default engine # allows you to simply control multiple engines at the same time. DCS has an ALL command (not familiar with the same in TMCC or Legacy). Or you can setup multiple unit consists with everything but DCS Remote Commander.

Thank you about the knots

Good luck, John 

Isn't that called a "noose"?

Rick

Dkokoszka posted:

So I am slowly getting into Legacy Command system. Watching videos etc. 

Can you explain train las ups and why/when you would use it. 

Thank you. 

Running two or more command control trains on the same track means you are switching between engine numbers on the Cab2 (or DCS handheld; you can run them all at the same time) to individually control each train.  When in lashup mode, you are running all the engines in the consist together at the same time.  As stated above, lashup mode is used when you want more than one powered engine to pull a train.

Unlike TMCC engines, most Legacy engines will run at the same speed in a lashup making MU consists and double heading easy.   However, before I would run two or more engines connected together in a lashup I would run them separately in lashup to make sure they run close to the same speed.  If they run well together, hook them up and pull that long train.

I have found Legacy diesels in a MU consist work well in a lashup, less so for steam engines double headed.  Not sure why, just an observation.

As noted above, some do not like the word lashup.  I think it is perfectly acceptable to use when referring to the act of electronically connecting together multiple command control engines to build a MU or double headed consist.  MTH and Lionel both use this terminology in their manuals and I believe some just confuse the issue for those new to command control.  However, please use MU consist or double head when referring to running the trains, especially in the scale forums.

My idea was to run 2 trains sepetately on the same track.  Hopeing one train would not catch up to the other.

Not looking to have 2 engines "lash up to pull more cars.

Maybe my idea is not so great  just wanted more train action on one loop and also allowing me to run more trains at same time.

You should be able to do that with two Legacy locomotives and your Legacy remote by using the preset speed commands from your remote. This will let you consistently send the exact same speed command to each engine, first to one engine, then switch engines on your remote and sent the same speed command to the second. They should maintain the same speed and spacing distance for a long time.

I know we had four VL-BB locomotives in a massive MU at the NJ-HR shindig, they ran just fine together.   It was an impressive sight!

RICKC posted:

Isn't that called a "noose"?

Rick

Nope, that's a Taut-Line hitch. A sort of slip knot that once tied, allows you to pull the two ends tight together (and it will hold). Best used on tent lines....

Railsounds posted:

You should be able to do that with two Legacy locomotives 

They should maintain the same speed and spacing distance for a long time.

Should....  some variables always seem to prevent it from happening for me. Just don't let them run and walk away assuming they will maintain the distance between them  

Doug, I'm a bit surprised you have issues with Legacy MU configurations.  I've seen problems with many TMCC attempts, but Legacy normally works seamlessly.  My major issue with Legacy MU operation is getting the sounds right.  On my Legacy U-boats, I have to have the crew talk on the trailing locomotive or it comes out both and sounds like they're talking into a barrel.  If I move it to the rear, it just comes from one.  Of course, I do want the prime mover on both, and I like the horn on both as well.

Can you set the ditch lights the rear unit of a lash up to flash when the horn is blown? I can't figure out how to do that. I've tried changing the options on the remote. 

It depends on the capabilities of the specific model.  Many only have the ditch lights individually powered on the front.

I've got two SD70ACes in a lash up. One is short hood forward, the other (rear unit) is long hood forward so the cab and therefore the ditch lights are facing the rest of the train. 

Railsounds posted:

You should be able to do that with two Legacy locomotives and your Legacy remote by using the preset speed commands from your remote. This will let you consistently send the exact same speed command to each engine, first to one engine, then switch engines on your remote and sent the same speed command to the second. They should maintain the same speed and spacing distance for a long time.

This is how I run 3 trains at once.