@John Sethian posted:It might help the OP to know that, unlike our model electric trains with worm gearing, real locomotives can roll freely. So that is why in real life one locomotive can pull the other as explained earlier.
Steam locomotives have "neutral"? For the sake of a lengthy write up, no need to get into the depths of the plumbing (the pipefitting?). A yes or no is fine. I'll look it up on my own.
That does help though! I was unaware. I thought the pistons in the cylinders would have caused some issues with compressing the air in them unless opening the valve to drain them (the blowdown valve?) allows enough air in and out to stop the compression. Having the ability to roll freely explains a lot haha
