F3 configuration of choice

Typically I think the A unit would be in the lead. That way it is an easy to traverse the switches and curves. It also depends upon the weight of your consist. My plan, with my AB F-3s, is to do a “push/pull scenario with the B unit on the rear.

Jay

With ATLAS and MTH F3 locos operators need to couple them A-B-A.

Andrew

@falconservice posted:

With ATLAS and MTH F3 locos operators need to couple them A-B-A.

Andrew

Andrew,

The PS3 version eliminated having to connect the units together...there is no tether.

Sunrise

I don't have any F3's, but I have a Santa Fe "bobtail" 300 Class F7 in A-B-B configuration, all units powered, TMCC

Other cab and booster units I have are:

• FT A-B-B-A MTH, A units powered, B units dummy, PS2 with tethers between units.
• Alco PA1-PB1-PA1, all units powered TMCC
• Atlas Erie-Built A (powered)-B (Powered)-A (dummy) TMCC
• E8Am, single A unit, powered, TMCC
• E8 A (powered)-B (dummy)-A (powered, MTH PS2 with tethers between units

I have Williams B&O F units in AA configuration and sometimes run them with my Williams F B unit in ABA.

I also have a K line B&O F and B unit ( B unit is powered ).  I run the consist in A-B configuration.  

My MTH Santa Fe F unit runs solo as does my MTH/Kline ( custom ) run solo.  

I prefer ABA or ABBA, but they are all good.

I always preferred the ABBA arrangement

- walt

Great Northern F3 ABBAs look great pulling the Great Northern Empire Builder.

All powered units regardless of configuration is my preference.

It depends :

1  what units of F3s I have, non of F3s have two Bs, or BB

2  length of train constants- running ABBA would limit the number of cars I can run with 3 of the ABBA being un-powered,  8 cars and locomotives is about the limit on my 027 medium sized layout

3  I run A, AA, AB and ABA

BA

4  I have one ABA with sound in the B.  That B is in the round house and can provide sound and crew talk around the RH and TT by activate that RH spur

Charlie

@GG1 4877 posted:

All powered units regardless of configuration is my preference.

All engines powered is my goal too, but sound in all units is required (no "dead" units).  I have a couple B-units that were too difficult or too expensive to add power, but they do have sound.  I also have one B-unit with power but the sound kit has not yet been added.

I run my 3rd Rail F3 Phase 2 Late units in an ABA consist, all units powered with sound.

@GG1 4877 posted:

All powered units regardless of configuration is my preference.

& with sound too

I generally bought what ever the mfg offered ABBA or ABA  or AB and I run them that way never gave it much thought beyond that. When ever I bought covered wagons I bought the entire set predominantly MTH. My Post War is ABA or AA or ABBA what I have been able to acquire don’t have any AB only Post War sets.

Operating couplers at each end would be useful.

Andrew

Most of my F3's are postwar. I personally prefer A-B-A. If it was originally sold as A-A, like 2333 SF and 2333NYC, I'd purchase another pw B unit same road name and design to ad to the A-A. If they originally sold as A-B units like 2243, 2245, I'd leave it at that. I can't bring myself to cannibalize a perfectly good "A" unit to make the set an A-B-A.   My other two F3's are a mpc and modern era originally are A-B-A.

Like I mentioned, this is my personal preference.