Skip to main content

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 using 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?

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

When you do install DCC in the locos, make sure the boards allow for programming on the main - this allows for easy speed matching.  QSI boards are good for double heading or helpers, since they allow for both programming on the main, and each loco attemps to adapt to the speed of the other, instead of fighting.  If you are using boards with the typical back emf (not QSI), you might need to turn its strength down a bit.

Originally Posted by marker:

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

http://mattforsyth.com/?attachment_id=962  

It appears to be pretty close to impossible to get two locomotives to operate in perfect tandem. I purchased two Sunset CPR D10 4-6-0's (exactly the same mechanism/drive train) with the intent of double-heading them, and one is a bit of a jack rabbit, pushing the other. But, apparently that doesn't deviate too much from prototype, as I recall Warren McGee, of Northern Pacific fame, describing two doubleheaded NP 4-6-6-4's and how the rear engine pushed the front one all the way to Livingston, MT. The forward engineer was a slow-runner!

I run triple all the time.  Sometimes one locomotive is slipping, thus cleaning the track for me.  For about six months one of the inner loops had two ten- wheelers on the point, then ten freIght cars, and finally a consolidation pushing.  No problem at all on filtered DC.  My locomotives are all powered by Pittman/ NWSL.

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×