Probably a dumb question but....

I am getting back into model RR after a 20 year absence and wondering if anyone uses a "dummy engine" behind the lead engine? When I had my small 6x9 layout I used 1 motorized engine and then dummy engines after that. Back then it was DC.

So if not using dummy engines could someone explain to me how having 2 engines hooked together facing the opposite way works? I know DCC has opened the door on alot of things but needing more info on this. I am going to go DCC but would probably only run 2 trains at a time with probably 2 engines on each train. Just wondering how this all works.

Thanks

 

In a straight DC application, assuming both locos are wired correctly, it doesn't matter which way they're faciing as they'll both run in the same direction. All you really need to be concerned about is that the locos run at similar speeds for a given throttle setting.

As for DCC, if you're running two locomotives in the same train, you'll need to "consist" the individual units. Check this out: http://www.tonystrains.com/technews/consisting-guide.htm and this: http://www.tonystrains.com/download/ConsistingGuide.pdf

Hope this helps.

Andre

 

Welcome Back,

I cannot speak for HO but in N there and not many if at all any dummy locos being used. I sure there are some and hopefully the users will speak up. The more powered locomotives the more rolling stock you can pull. A dummy locomotive is just one more piece of rolling stock.

When I run two or more locomotives together I consist them. By this I mean that each locomotive has is own DCC address (this permits them to be used independently of each other) and the controller can be programmed (probably not the correct term to use) to make all the locomotives in the consist to respond to the same throttle. Each system has its own method of consisting so I will not attempt to give instructions here. With my system to make a consist, I have 2 locomotive hooked together facing the opposite way, I have them set to move in the same direction, one going forward and one going in reverse. Push a couple buttons and both locomotives are being operated by one throttle. The instructions with whatever system you purchase will give you detailed instructions on how to consist locomotives.

Hope this helps

[FONT=&quot]Gary[/FONT]

 

Thanks guys much appreciated. Kinda clears things up for me a bit.

Next question is that in order to run 2 trains "consist" both engines need to have the DCC board in them and just not DCC ready correct? I have my layout pretty much done on paper but not in the physical, and looking to pick up locomotives, rolling stock and structures as I go and the $$ allows. I just want to get the right stuff. I may just purchase a few engines with the decoders in them and a few that are DCC ready just to help the cost burden.

Thanks

 

Non dummy units

Yeah, both units would need decoders.

Andre

 

I have a number of dummy engines in HO. With HO's larger motors you can get away with it.

Plus, if you're running a mainline freight, you can do 2 pwr'd + 1 dummy.


Dummys have really lost their appeal. I, and most of the people I know who bought them wisely saw that they were going to pay half to 2/3s the price for that dummy. So it was a great deal. And, you can always power it later.

 

So if I run a DCC system, every engine that will have power needs to have the DCC board in it, or can I run a DCC ready engine also?

 

to put it another way, DCC ready means that the circuit board in the loco has a slot for the DCC board. You still need to buy the DCC board.

If it isn't DCC ready, then that means you need to break out a soldering iron and solder wires and maybe even as was said, Isolate the motor (often DC locos use the frame as one of the conductors.

 

Ok I think I am catching on. So any engine that will actually run on my DCC system will have to have some sort of decoder in it to run either by itself or in consist.

I think I will purchase a couple with sound and then purchase the rest without sound. I could handle not having sound but would be nice to have a couple for other family members and friends.

Sorry if I put this in the wrong section.

 

One thing that has not been mentioned is, a DC loco (a DCC Ready loco is a DC loco) will run on DCC but it will have its problems. It will make a lot of noise, will not work with auto reversing units just to list a couple. All DC locos will have the same address "0" on DCC. If you have more then one DC loco on the layout when the throttle (the one set to "0") is adjusted all DC locos will be affected. A DC loco can be consisted with DCC equiped locos but the preformance will be questionable.

Even though a DC loco will work on DCC it is not really recommended by most DCC users.

If you have a chioce to purchase a loco with DCC installed or DCC Ready I suggest going with the DCC installed because most times the price of a loco with a factory installed decoder is chaper the getting a DCC Ready and then adding the decoder. Furthermore it lets you use the loco when you get it home. On the other hand, some of the factory installed decoders do not have all the functions you may want, so then getting the DCC Ready and the decoder is cheaper. If the basic functions are all you want then the factory installed decoders would be the way to go. Another way to go is get the factory installed decoders now and when time and $$ permit you can change the decoder to the decoder you want. I would assume that changing a decoder in an HO loco is simpler then in a N loco, but I really don't know.

What ever way you decide to go you will enjoy having DCC.

Gary