I was looking at a set of N-Scale engines, (both powered). Can one powered engine run without the other? Also, can two powered engines pull more cars than a set with one engine with a dummy engine?
Ron
You really need to ask your question on the Model Railroader forum. This one is for “toy” trains like Lionel and American Flyer.
However, the answers to your questions are simple enough: It is possible with the 2 rails that N scale uses that one locomotive of a pair picks up current from one rail and the other from the other rail, in which case there would have to be a wire connection (a “tether”) between them. If no tether, they can run independently.
Two powered engines can pull twice what one of the same kind with a dummy can do. However, one with two powered trucks is about equivalent to two each with one powered truck. What really counts is the weight on the powered wheels and whether any of those wheels have rubber tires.