Which engine to set on track first?

Hi All, I am really pretty new here so I hope to ask the right Questions. I bought a Premier FA-2 ABA 3 piece Diesel Engine set. Now, It would not run initially so took it to Clyde in Oberlin, Ohio. I got it back but now I am wondering which engine goes on first? I understand that both the A units are equipped with 2 drive motors and my question is, Does it matter which engine goes on first with the dummy next and the 2nd powered engine third? I also have a second question. I put a new set of tracks under my double 4 x 8 layouts. The track is the old Lionel 3 rail track lying on thin plywood base. I set one of my MTH Big Boy's on it to test it but when I powered it but engine would not run. The horn, bell and talk is working but engine will not run. Is there a command I need to give to run this unit. My transformer is the Z-1000. Attached is a pic of the 3 rail track and Big Boy. Appreciate any help.