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I have an MTH PS3 Amtrack Genesis Phase IV diesel, and would like to get a second to run in a lash-up on longer trains.
I have found a PS2 of the same version, and have read that they can be run in a lash-up, but that they run best as "MU".

I don't have a full DCS TIU system.
Rather I am using the DCS Remote Commander that comes with their Ready To Run Sets, and am happy with the results.

I have a couple of questions regarding running a lash up, in MU:
1) What does "MU" mean?
2) Can it be done with the DCS Remote Commander?

Thanks for any and all information,
Roger

Last edited by OGR CEO-PUBLISHER
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MU = Multiple-Unit which for the matter at hand is synonymous with lash-up.  In other words 2 (or more) engines running in tandem to provide more pulling power.

If your DCS Remote Commander (DCSRC) can individually control your PS3 and PS2 engines, then those engines can be mechanically coupled and run as a pair.  As you know, the PS3 and PS2 engines must be set to the so-called factory-default address which is the only address that the DCSRC can control.  But if you can control your two engines one at a time with the DCSRC, then you should be good to go.

As an experiment you might want to run the two engines together but separated (uncoupled) and watch them speed up, down and stop with the DCSRC.  It is obviously critical that the two engine behave identically (or near identically).  

There are some niceties when using a full-blown DCS-TIU configuration for MU/lash-up operation.  In your case, both engines will do exactly the same thing wrt lights, sounds, motion.  In prototypical operation, perhaps JUST the lead engine in a MU blasts its horn.  Or maybe JUST the lead engine needs to operate its headlight.  To each his own as to whether these operational details are ho-hum or show-stoppers. 

Last edited by stan2004

The DCS-RC is a single engine controller, it has no capability to handle multiple units.  However, it also operated in what the DCS boys call "speed" mode in that it doesn't wait for the engine to reply to commands.  That being the case, if both engines are reset to factory defaults (necessary for the DCS-RC to recognize them), they will run together with the DCS-RC controlling them.  Like Stan says, you want to verify the speeds match, but they should if they're unmodified DCS engines.

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