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Exactly half of my diesels are dummies.  That includes an F3 ABBA, an E8 ABA and a four car RDC MU.  Although the dummies don’t add any pulling power, modern engines with two can motors and traction tires have plenty of pull.  It is nice having the sound of two engines when you run two powered units together, but I can live without it.  The main down side is the dummies don’t come with smoke units and it looks goofy if the lead unit is smoking up a storm and the trailing unit has no smoke.  I’ve added smoke to a few of the dummies…a very easy job because I imagined someone else doing it.

 I’m curious OMAN.  Why wouldn’t you buy a non-powered unit?

Lehigh74 posted:

 I’m curious OMAN.  Why wouldn’t you buy a non-powered unit?

If I'm going to run an MU, it will be to haul a train up my 3% grades. My layout isn't particularly large, only 8' x 18'. So, I don't see myself ever putting together an ABBA due to the length of the train. I have a couple of the older MTH ABA sets that are tethered together with all units powered. It seems that MTH sells the A and B units separately now. So, if buying new today, I would be happy with an AB configuration, but I would want both units powered. I prefer the look of AB vs. AA or ABA. That's just me.

Oman posted:
Lehigh74 posted:

 I’m curious OMAN.  Why wouldn’t you buy a non-powered unit?

If I'm going to run an MU, it will be to haul a train up my 3% grades. My layout isn't particularly large, only 8' x 18'. So, I don't see myself ever putting together an ABBA due to the length of the train. I have a couple of the older MTH ABA sets that are tethered together with all units powered.

No they are NOT "all powered". The "B Unit" is indeed a "Dummy". The reason the weather has to pass through the "Dummy B Unit" is to provide electronic signal information to the rear, powered, "A Unit".

It seems that MTH sells the A and B units separately now.

Correct, for their latest F Units in Prototypically 3.

So, if buying new today, I would be happy with an AB configuration, but I would want both units powered. I prefer the look of AB vs. AA or ABA. That's just me.

 

Hot Water posted:
Oman posted:
Lehigh74 posted:

 I’m curious OMAN.  Why wouldn’t you buy a non-powered unit?

If I'm going to run an MU, it will be to haul a train up my 3% grades. My layout isn't particularly large, only 8' x 18'. So, I don't see myself ever putting together an ABBA due to the length of the train. I have a couple of the older MTH ABA sets that are tethered together with all units powered.

No they are NOT "all powered". The "B Unit" is indeed a "Dummy". The reason the weather has to pass through the "Dummy B Unit" is to provide electronic signal information to the rear, powered, "A Unit".

It seems that MTH sells the A and B units separately now.

Correct, for their latest F Units in Prototypically 3.

So, if buying new today, I would be happy with an AB configuration, but I would want both units powered. I prefer the look of AB vs. AA or ABA. That's just me.

 

I guess I was thinking of a K-Line set that I don't have anymore.

I bought two for my grand daughter. Children love to push locomotives. They are hers, and she knows that it is OK to push them. G-Pa's nice brass locomotives get left alone.

On my own, I did convert a WbB E8 B to powered. This gives me the option of running ABA; this combination pulls like a bear. Or I can run one powered A on one consist, and AB on the second (with the powered B pushing the Dummy A).

Last edited by Gilly@N&W

"Who buys A or B units or calves that are not powered."

Almost everybody. Not a reason to do it, mind you, but definitely the norm, and an esthetic choice. I have been known to power a dummy just because, usually by moving a power truck and adding tether.

("Powering a dummy" is not the same thing as "empowering a dummy", which is not a good idea.)

Steam guys like me face the issue less; our "extra units" are called "articulateds".

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