Evo and test car use??

The test car could be placed within the consist, or trailing it;  it does not monitor track conditions, except peripherally, but rather acts as an "electronic dynamometer car".  Todays' computer controlled locomotives actually do a lot of that data gathering and computation themselves;  the test car would just tap into that, but might also monitor some extra test points that would hard wired from the test loco to the car;  hence, it would probably be next to the loco being tested. 

You could run some very fine ga thread, using 1/48 scale duct tape, from various points [ hood doors, etc ] on the loco to the car to simulate this.

Hope that helps.

Best, SZ  [ who would agree "Real Trains" category would be better ]

Edited to add:  Here's a photo of a GE test car and the locomotive being monitored;  note the cabling at the edge by the walkway stanchions.  the locos on the other side are  providing a 'load' using their dynamic braking.  This was on the GE test track [ on a typical 'dreary Erie' day ], but you could run a similar "all loco" consist on your rr and still be prototypical.

The Hybvrid was also seen in the company of GEVO demonstrator #2011.

I can't find it in my collection, but I saw a photo on-line which prompted me to purchase a demonstrator and do this (all with scale wheels/fixed pilots BTW):

My demonstrator is #2005. My understanding is that 2005 was converted to hybrid and repainted/renumbered 2010 but the demo unit was hard to find, so let that be our little secret.

I have done the same thing. I got the 2005 unit and made it a dummy to run with it.

 Thanks all for the help!

Matt, I saw yours and wanted one even more. So thanks again for the ATD!!

(acquirer's train disease).

Now there's another engine I want......Urgggggggggg.

The one time I saw the  EVO Hybrid in real life there were a couple diesels in front of it, the Hybrid  then the test car followed by your typical mixed freight

I always try to please.

 I remember that blue GE scheme from MTH now.

 I had called Jim's train shop and ordered the BNSF. Then I ordered the CSX. He asked if I wanted the demo also. I passed and now I want it too!! Urrggg. I want them all!!!!!!!!

 I must deny. I must say no. I must deny. I must say no...........

Here you go Joe!

Regards,

Frank

You could run it with the GE AC6000CW demo!

Regards,

Frank

Well it just came and it's a beauty. I don't mind being late to the game as long as I can even find them!

 ....but now...I need another GE demo???

 It seems like I didn't thank you guys enough. Thank you again for the info. It seems that the test car's shell/frame must be reinforced to handle a full freight train consist??

While I think MTH's choice of an RPO [ or baggage/RPO ] wasn't a bad choice to simulate a test car, at least they could have removed the mail catcher hook on the sides.  EJ, I'd suggest you do that if you're keeping the car -- although I guess they could be used to pick up meals on the fly for the starving Field Service personnel on board.....

Best regards, SZ

I don't know.  I would think the car might be weighted a bit [ with the frame/trucks/springs/bearings/etc etc to match ] to avoid the car being 'squeezed out' when slack runs in on descending grades, but that's just a guess.

SZ

 I finally found some pics of the car. It was under business car so I missed it at first.

http://www.rrpicturearchives.n...icture.aspx?id=35566

and here it is with BNSFs

http://www.rrpicturearchives.n...ture.aspx?id=1547455

and a shot with better lighting

http://www.rrpicturearchives.n...ture.aspx?id=1050765