As I lay my first two rail line, I'm thinking about purchasing a steam engine as a helper for a diesel powered train that I intend to run. I will be DC to power the 2 rail line initially and moving to DCC.
I'm just curious if it is how hard it would be to have a train headed by a diesel/steam combination and what is involved to be able to do it. Anyone?
It depends on a number of factors. Gearbox ratio, diesel wheel versus steam loco driver diameters, motor type, etc. As was mentioned before, it can be very difficult just to get two of the exact same locos to run as a pair on straight DC. If you REALLY want to double head, then DCC is the way to go, as the ability to precisely contol the speed of each loco is already a part of the application.
Getting started with a DCC control system is inexpensive too, by purchasing the NCE Power Cab. It's totally self-contained, and can be found for under $150.
Matt Forsyth
Forsyth Rail Services
