C-WW Hello all: I was wondering if it is possible to run multiple unit locos w/o buying a DCC control set. I have seen the adds for the MRC controls and their claims seem pretty unbelievale, for example, lashing up 24 locos?!? All I want to do is run a layout using blocks and run some trains w/maybe two powered Athearns. The Athearns would mainly be the GP40s,GP50s, and GP38s. Can this work w/a MRC control and not burn out an Athearn or Athearns OR should I plop down major $$$ for a DCC? [ March 29, 2006, 03:32 PM: Message edited by: watash ]
Here's my experience as a "moderately experienced beginner" in lashing up multiple engines .......... If you choose to lash up multiple engines, make sure they operate similarly, that is they run at approximately the same speeds under similar load and no-load conditions. Ideally they're the same manufacturer and type, but we know that isn't always possible, and it's certainly not what the big boys always do. I've even found that engines can be lashed up together that don't run at the same speeds, as long as you put the slowest one in the lead AND the consist is long enough and heavy enough to hold the faster train back so that ALL engines are pulling. Obviously this method would only work on flat tracks. If you went down hill, then the faster engine would try to push the slower engine down the tracks and possibly de-rail it. Most of the "better" power supplies can handle multiple engines, in fact they like to advertise this point. They are also fairly "robust", in that they are self limiting and do a pretty good job of protecting themselves from abuse. When all else fails, give it a try and see what happens, right? Mark
I do run multiples with no problems, BUT! Watch your amp gauge, amps is heat, so don't allow too much amps if one engine runs noticable faster. If you run an 0-4-0 switch engine with a 4-6-2 Pacific, then you will probably drag the little switcher. The problem will come when both engines are equiped with rubber tires. The drivers can not slip, so there is no safety 'valve', and one motor will burn up if run together over a minute or so.
Two is no problem. I run a Athearn GP50 lashed up to a GP38 on a regular basis. I use power packs that are from the 70's and they seem to perform well. I would think that most of the modern ones could easily handle this too. I didn't do anything special to the loco's aside from making sure the knuckle couplers were at the same height. Shaummy
I used to run 3-4 Bachmann c40-8ws together on a coal drag with my TechII 1500 from MRC.(when I was in HO) now I can run about 10 engines together (not usually) now that I'm in N scale (i usually run 2&3 engine trains, not 5+)
Our Train club regularly ran multiple units. We have run upto 9 Athearn units lashed together. We found that the best way was to put the faster units in front. This keeps the couplers taut and prevents coupler disconnection. We would have run more but our 6 Amp hogger packs would not start any more thatn 9 Athearns.
I stuck a old PC processor heat sink on my old MRC Tech II 1300 and I can handle 3-4 units depending on amp loads. 3 Athearns (non stalling) 4 anything else or mixed. (ran 5 Atlas for awhile but blew the braker later) Faster units should be run in the front. And if your like me you might tweek the locomotives electronics to keep them all going the same speed (In some cases use less power too) with resistors. The heatsink is a moderately good idea. It can keep the Powerpack cool and last longer in the long run but if you massively overload it the heat sink could prevent the circut breaker from going which could not only toast the pack but could cause injury or fire. Buts that's if you stick 7 units on it. I tend not to run more than 3 and have a rule against any more than 4. (half the time though the pack wont handle 4 to began with)
