How Many Mix Diesels On Your Train Runs

Occasionally

I model the Erie Lackawanna and its processors so I'm obligated to model a mix just about every major locomotive manufacturer in a whole lot of configurations.   I love running a mixture of freight and passenger paint schemes of Erie , Lackawanna and EL in consists. I even get to mix it up with the D&H of the Dereco/N&W  days.  These are the consists that I remember as a youngster, and when my sons were youngsters as well, and living along the Scranton division. What fun!   For that reason I have accumulated quite a few non-powered units (A&B cabs, Es & Fs, and  hood units) so that I don't have to worry about mixing TMCC or DCS in a consist. If you have seen a photo of EL trains with a mix of power, I can imitate it.  It always raises questions about my eclectic mix of power from visitors to our club layout and I get to teach a history lesson....one of the reasons I am a model railroader.  I love it. 

Is only one engine powered and the rest dummies? If not, do u not run into issues with trailing engine(s) pushing the lead engine or do you somehow sync the power? (Sorry, may be a stupid question)

Nothing is a stupid question on this forum. Yes, the only engine powered is the K-line Trainmaster. When I run multiple engines I use the same make of engines. I have (I think) five or six Trainmasters made by K-line. Also I have powered Alco's built by Atlas. It makes life easy. Aloha my friend. Don

Run them if you got them.

2 powered engines and others are dummies.

Here's one example......

Peter

Found another (going back some years).....

Peter

Ottawa_Marc posted:

Is only one engine powered and the rest dummies? If not, do u not run into issues with trailing engine(s) pushing the lead engine or do you somehow sync the power? (Sorry, may be a stupid question)

With recent technology model train operators can now enjoy multiple powered units in front, middle, and end of trains - all powered.  This is just like the real trains.  Lionel Legacy engines, TMCC, ERR upgrades, and MTH (and others) are able to support this by setting up a "train" where all locos are responding to the controller simultaneously.  Front multi-powered locos are possible in transformer controlled system but the locos need to be similar in configuration (motors and gear ratios) to prevent push-pull kicking and bucking. 

Here’s a video I did a while ago...

Atlas GP35, Lionel GP30 & non-powered MTH GP35.

As close as I come is to run an RS-1 behind and RS-3 but they are both PRR. 

scale rail posted:

The Milwaukee Road used anything and everything to pull trains. Didn't matter if it was an FM, Alco or GM. I do the same. This shot is with a FM at point, Alco and Baldwin. How many of you guys do the same. Let's see pictures. Don

Hope you got a crew in that Baldwin.  Baldwin's pneumatic MU system was incompatible with EMD's, Alco's and FM's electrical MU.

Rusty

CBS072 posted:

Run them if you got them.

2 powered engines and others are dummies.

Like the scene!

Dave

CentralFan1976 posted:

Here’s a video I did a while ago...

Atlas GP35, Lionel GP30, non-powered MTH GP35 & GP40. 

Great vid! I rolled this back a few times but only see three units but your entry says there are four. 

Dave

luvindemtrains posted:

CentralFan1976 posted:

Here’s a video I did a while ago...

Atlas GP35, Lionel GP30, non-powered MTH GP35 & GP40. 

Great vid! I rolled this back a few times but only see three units but your entry says there are four. 

Dave

Good call!

Must have been before I got the GP40!

I could hog this post. I like to run mixes of diesels or anything I have. I have done it nearly every session. Usually most are modern models. I'll throw a steamer with some diesels for fun too.

Here's one (modern ) outside that is my favorite to watch.

here's another modern mix with a mid-engine helper diesel:

I really didn't fully notice until now that my consists don't have the same era engines as your post. There are many models I have skipped over. I never bought any RS units for example. They don't appeal to me. I did start purchasing many mid-era engines to fill in the missing years of my collection. There are some F unit sets that I run on their own without mixing into other consists.

A typical early Penn Central consist...find whatever runs and put it on the front of a train.  Hopefully, at least a couple of units will survive the trip.

K-Line EMD GP38, Atlas Trainman GE U23B, MTH Alco RS-27 (converted to TMCC), Williams EMD F3 (non-powered) and Lionel EMD GP35 (non-powered)

Tom

I just received my Lionel Penn Central U33C.  After the shake down run I MUed it with my SD45 and a GP35 for a full blown test run.

Tom

Great photo, ScaleRail. It's a handy practice for CPR modelers too.