Can using more than one operating locomotive to pull a consist do any damage to the loco’s? Do people regularly use more than one operating engine on consists? I’m relatively new to this.
I have an engine that is having a hard time pulling 3 passenger cars up any grade and was wondering if doubling up would help.
Any thoughts?
Assuming that you’re using straight DC block control (a power pack) and not DCC, as long as the two locomotives run nearly at the same speed it is not going to hurt them at all.
The only time you might do damage is if the two engines run at different speeds, which could cause one of them to get too hot because it is pulling harder.
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There have been many threads about this so you might want to search and read up![;)].
From my experience if the locos are the same brand you should be ok, although doing some testing beforehand might be a good idea.
I would probably just buy the same engine to use for both.
As long as they’re both pulling under load, even if one’s pulling harder than the other, you should be O.K.
You just don’t want one engine pushing the other along, adding MORE load to the train than was there without it. If it’s helping, it’s O.K. If it’s hindering, then it’s dead weight and should be removed.
Mark in Utah
There may be other factors working against you.
What are you running?
I just bought the Bachmann NJ Transit F40PH, it looks really great but has a hard time pulling the 3 Walthers NJ Transit commuter cars I bought. My layout is in it’s initial stages so it has it’s issues. (I’m from Jersey so it was a must have)
The engine pretty much spins it’s wheels while going up a grade on a curve (I couldn’t tell you the grade percentage it’s just part of a trestle kit.)
The cars itself have issues with any type of pushing and just keeping on the track when being pulled.
Unfortunately the Bachmann F40PH does not enjoy a good reputation.
I too consided this model but the forum recommended the Walters Trainline.
Two things; the engine may be on the light side and the commuter cars may have too much wheel drag. Both may contribute to your problem.
You can try a dry graphite powder in the truck journal to speed things up.
Place your car at the crest of the trestle and give it a hand push and see how far it goes.
Then repeat the process but with a lubed journal.
You just might see a difference.
To answer your question, in my experience up my 3% Atlas trestle grade a second identical engine did make a difference.