Getting ready to add a 3rd engine to my F7’s. When matching the 3rd engine, do I run the first two together or pick just one of them and speed match the new engine to it? Both are very close in speed, but one is a little slower and the new engine will go behind it.
I am just trying to do this as right as I can.
Ken
Are you using DCC and speed curves or upper/lower limits, etc. I use Decoder Pro and can get them real close starting with the easiest method first and that usually depends on the loco and decoder–sometimes have to make up a whole new speed curve. When you say one is a little slower, it’s hard to know exactly what that means–we use scale MPH and try to get them within 2 to 3 smph at midrange or normal speed(switchers have a different normal speed than road engines for example). If you’re that close, I would just match it to the combination. We use the stop watch method and calculate the speed.
However, there are a lot of guys which have the philosophy of matching all locos to a “master” loco. I tried this and found that when you have older steam, newer steam, older diesels, new diesels(actual model age not prototypes here) it can make having a master a bit challenging. So, we first grouped our locos into categories so that we could have a master for each category. That way speed matching works well and building consists is reliable and easy within the category. Note, these categories are more like open frame old models vs newer modern can motors. It will depend on your current and planned inventory.
Richard
Are the loco’s and decoders by the same manufacturer?
What makes the loco and decoder?
I think it will not matter much if you match it one or the consist. I have part of my fleet speed matched and I can interchange them with no problem. I used an Atlas GP-38 as the master loco and I dont see any real difference in speed if it is running by itself or a 5 unit consist.
Thanks for all the answers!
Current engines are the BB box’s Athearn A &B units using Digitrax decoders. A has a 163 and BMF is off, other one is a DH 123.
New engine will be a Bachmann FT A unit, it was a DCC engine and will have a DH-123 installed.
Current AB match is very close. It takes around 50 feet of running for there to be a few inch differences.
Ken
Just do the same thign you did to match the first two, sicne they are matched, match this one to one of the other two.
No sense making it complicated.
–Randy
First thing to do is run the bachmann and Athearn at max speed. If the gearing is much different you’ll see it there. You may have to make a custom speed table. Also hope that the bachmann is the fastest of the 3 which makes life much easier.