Hi evryone I was wondering how many locomotives you usually run on one mainline train 1, 2, 3 or what need some answers so i can decide for my own layout
Shaun
Depends on how many cars I’m pulling. I usually run two locos at a time, although I have four running the other day (two SD60M, a SD90MAC and SD40-2, 48 wheel drive!)
Generally speaking, it depends if you are running DCC or DC.
It depends about the volt amp (VA’s) output of your power source.
Depends upon the electrical draw of your locos.
Depends upon how much weight you are hauling.
For instance, my LL P2K E7’s and PA’s require almost 1/2 amp per loco. Other locos only 1/4 amp.
On my outside 40’ oval, I can run the Allegheny, the new bachmann heavy weight mountain and an
IIHC mountain all at the same time , occasionally throwing a block(DC) to slow the Bachmann down.
On my inside oval I run LLP1K…
Two F3’s consists, AB and another AB, (four powered units)
Chuck Walsh.
As many as I want. The Tech II has shown it can hanlde my roster of 8. I usually run no more than 2 motors, my refurbished F A-B-A set. (One’s an intelligent dummy. It has circuitry but no motor…directional headlight.)
Usually, I don’t run any more than one, for there’s no need for more power.
With DCC as many as you want.
Mostly 2-3 units at one time
On my layout , as many as are required to pull the train be it one or several units
lashed up it makes no difference as long as the trains gets to their appointed destinations on time type of commodity and number of cars bein pulled are the biggest factors in this equation
Regards
Larry
I am probalby runnig 20 car trains most of the time ussing DC. I hve only one good loco that could do this so I will need to lash 2 or 3 together.
thatnk you to all who answered
Shaun
I usually run 2-3 at one time.
Gordon
A 20 car train is a big haul and I have run as many as 60 for testing purposes.
I also have a LLP1K, F3 powered A & B, cheap thru trainworld.
I cut the B unit in halfway and distribute the weight.
I also have removed the B shell and installed a athearn reefer shell over the powered B chassis.
Both methods get the job done.
Chuck Walsh
Depends on the load I’m hauling. Intermodel 2-4 C44-9s, 3-4 SD40-2s, or 2-3 SD75s with 30-40+ cars. Grain 2-4 C44-9s, 2-4 SD60Macs, 3-6 SD40-2s sometimes mixed with GP50s, or 2-4 SD75s with 30-50+ cars. Coal up to 6 on all C44-9s, SD60Macs, SD75s, and SD90Macs (UP/CP only). Mixed trains use all power mostly 4 axle locos and I have had 11 4 axle engines run on one train. 90%+ are all of the BSNF family the rest are UP/CP. My layout is 15X33’ Double Mains with concrete, in the process of expanding to an additional 15X18’ so the layout will be in an L shape format and I am converting it to Single Main with concrete and wooden sidings. Will have Double Main concrete with helper district going over pass, 70’ + of run on pass @2%.
Ross
Spokane, WA
On my 4x8 layout with DCC I commonly run 4 engines or sets of engines at a time occaisionaly will run 5 at a time. I had 2 engines die and at times had all 7 going at once, but it was almost impossible to keep track of speeds and maintain distances.
I run consists of anywhere from 2 to 5 locomotives, some with SoundTraxx decoders, on the Cochise & Western Model Railroad Cub’s layout, even during open houses when up to six other people are also running their trains. Our DCC system has a main 4-amp power booster and two additional 4-amp boosters to feed power to the three main branches of the layout. Nearly all of the locomotives being ran this way are Proto 2000, Bachmann Spectrum, Atlas, Kato, or Athearn Genesis, which all draw very low amperage.
I run as many as it takes to do the job. It is hard to say as there are a lot of variables in there, such as how long and heavy is the train. Also what kind of hills do you have? A flat railroad will haul easier than a hilly one. Are you running steam or diesel? I usually run run one steam or one or two diesel. It all depends.