In the November CTT there is a feature, 20 Helpful Layout Tips.
One of the tips is to run PW F-3’s and Alcos with the Dummy in the lead. For whatever reason this does work. I have the Rock Island 2041 AA set that was made in 1969, and it always would derail on my upper level pike (034 Marx Track). Runnning it Dummy forward, she tracks like a champ (and granted 1969 was not Lionel at it’s finest).
I am assuming that this tip will also work with MPC era dummy units (that were also non-powered).
Has anyone tried this with MPC Dummy Units like GP-20’s, 9, 7 or U-Boats??
…of course now that I can run the 2041, I’ll have to figure out a way to light the cab of the dummy.
I use the 8352 Santa Fe GP-20 in this fashion. The dummy with horn goes first - it’s a much better puller with the motor truck being the 4th one back instead of the lead. It does track better with a load on the coupler to keep the truck straight offsetting the axle torque. Non-derailing switches work better too as the traction tires do not interfere with triggering them.
I put a light in the dummy so it wasn’t facing forward “dark”.
I have used this set-up for many years also with 2343 sets, 2023 sets, & others.
I have a few MPC sets, like the LIRR GP-20, and the UP U-36B, so I’ll have to try this.
These MPC era dummies should be easy to light since they already have a pick up roller (due to the horn), how easy is to light a dummy with no horn, like the aforementioned RI Dummy A from '69 ?
Running dummy first has always been a good idea, this was suggested back in the early fiftys when Lionel started selling AAs with one motor. So it’s a good new idea for some but has been around a long time. enjoy.
You will need a “Hillside” type pickup(2328-171), the insulator pad(2328-170), a fiber washer(8250-35) & a self tapping screw(8010-165) for the collector truck. For the lamp, the 8352-320 socket with the 8352-310 bulb.
I have 2343 and 2344 ABA F-3 sets and a 2023 AA Alco set. The Alcos are 1950 models with diecast frames. When running the F3s in an ABA arangement, I have to run them as follows: dummy A - B - powered A. If I don’t arrange them this way, the B unit will tend to derail when backing up. If I’m running them AA it doesn’t seem to make any difference. Same with the 2023 AAs - no difference. I have none of the later style Postwar Alcos so I don’t know about those.