Hi Chip
I have a pair of MRC 1731 steam decoders installed in Rivarossi Cab Forwards, both work and sound very good. Both Cab Forwards have been re-motored with a pair of Canon EN22 motors. The MRC 1731 drives the dual motors wired in parallel easily. The low speed running has been exceptional; both Cab Forwards will creep up my 3½% grade with or without a heavy load in tow.
Actually one of the Cab Forwards is a Mel AC-9 kitbash from an AC-12.
I have closely monitored the current and decoder heat of my dual motor locomotives. I only use finger touch to monitor the decoder heat and so for it has never been more than warm to the touch. I have seen the current above 900ma with full drawbar at 5.6 ounces at wheel slip under test. I add 10 ounces of #8 birdshot to my Cab Forwards, with the added weight I rarely get any wheel slip running them on my layout. I don’t think I’ve ever seen any of my over weight locomotives having wheel slip without being induced by the five finger mode.