A few N scale questions

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Since Im now living in a college dorm room Ive had to switch to N scale to keep my hobby going. Now here are a few Questions I have:

  1. Can you run two N scale locomotives on DC back to back on the same track (like a consist on DCC), the controller is an MRC tech 2

  2. Are Athearn locomotive handrails as flimsy as they are in HO scale?

  3. Is it going to hurt a locomotive in the long run (Kato Sd70ace) if I run it on 9.75 in curves (kato unit track)

Note: I already run the sd70ace on those turns

  1. Is it possible to change out rapido couplers for knuckle couplers?

Sorry for the very specific questions

Thanks!

2

Well, I´ll give it a try to answer your questions:

  1. Consisting can be done on DC, but you have to make sure, that both locos have about the same running characteristics. Applying the same voltage to two different locos does not result in the same speed most of the time.
  2. Hand rails in N scale are even more delicate than in HO scale, regardless of the make. In any case - handle with care!
  3. If a loco can negotiate a 9.75" radius without derailing/stalling, it´ll be fine to do it.
  4. Rapido couplers are not easily changed, at least not in a plug n´ play way. Takes some fiddly work to disassemble the coupler pocket, which, in some cases, is cast into the loco frame, and put a knuckle coupler on. Try to look for locos and rolling stock with factory installed knuckle couplers.
3

I can answer 1 & 4 (Sorry, I don’t own an Athearn or Kato loco).

  1. It’s indeed possible to run multiple locos in DC - provided they are close in speed. You will have the best chance of this by trying locos of the same brand. For example, a pair of Atlas SD35’s from the same production run or an Altas SD35 & GP35 that were made using the same motors. Best to test by running both uncoupled forward and backward. You will never find a perfect match, but if one doesn’t clearly run away from the other, you shouldn’t have any issue running them together.

  2. Most N-scale loco’s these days are an easy conversion to MT couplers. Most rolling stock will likely need a truck/coupler swap since couplers in N-scale are typically truck mounted. You can always try to change the coupler on a truck, but it’s not always possible (or easy). I’ve done this with limited success. Best to just swap out the entire truck.

You can consult the on-line MT conversion tables:

4

If one loco runs a bit faster than another put that one in front.

For tight curves you may have to change one coupler on the first car to a long shank. This will allow for the swing without pulling the car off the track.

Bob

5

Thanks for the replies, my questions were answered!

6

Since Im now living in a college dorm room Ive had to switch to N scale to keep my hobby going. Now here are a few Questions I have: No problem with that. I automatically picked N scale because I do the apartment life, now I can’t get over it. It even overcomes my absolute love for HO and DCC/sound (some day).

  1. Can you run two N scale locomotives on DC back to back on the same track (like a consist on DCC), the controller is an MRC tech 2 Now this is a coincidence, I also have an older MRC Tech II (RailPower 1400 here). As mentioned this can be done, and as mentioned the locomotives should be matched up. I did run my Atlas GP9 and Kato 70ACe and the Kato wanted to run over my Atlas. I also tried it with the Kato at one end of a test loop ( Atlas Code 80 rail on 2’ x 4’ x 3/8" OSB sheet) and it ran down the Atlas in no time. Also watch for maximum voltage. Max V on both my Atlas and Kato is 14VDC, which just so happens to be 80% throttle on the ole 1400. As expected the Kato unit needed less throttle [voltage] to run a consist than it did using the Atlas. On a side note the Kato unit is brand new, bought and manufactured this year, the Atlas unit is a 2006 model (purchased in '08) and is stamped as such on both halves of the motor split-frame.

  2. Are Athearn locomotive handrails as flimsy as they are in HO scale? Oddly enough I’ve had more trouble handling my bigger HO locomotives than my N.

  3. Is it going to hurt a locomotive in the long run (Kato Sd70ace) if I run it on 9.75 in curves (kato unit track)

Well now this is getting freaky. My current SD70ACe model is the MP Heritage unit. I plan to get the entire collection, but will be happy with the WP Heratige and D&RGW Heritage. I’m surprised you can get the locomotive to do that, IIRC Kato recommends an 11R c

7

Words emphasized by me. When you say “back to back”, do you mean with the front of engine 1 pointing in one direction, and the front of engine 2 pointing in the opposite direction, while running DC engines?

Stein

8

Ulrich wrote:

  • Hand rails in N scale are even more delicate than in HO scale, regardless of the make. In any case - handle with care!

That’s a myth.

Actually they are tougher then HO handrails because they are oversize and will flex unlike the spaghetti thin HO handrails.

9

Hi Stein,

Not sure where you are going with this, but it makes no difference which way the engines are pointed in DC operation because they will all travel in the same direction.

For instance, in this picture I have two engines pointed in opposite directions but they will both pull in the same direction: