How Hard Is It To Double Head In 2 Rail? (Steam/Diesel)

If both locomotives run at approximately the same speed, just couple 'em up and go.  Even locomotives of the same type and manufacturer will run at slightly different speeds.  One may occasionally slip, but no harm will be done.

Rusty

Thanks Rusty, I forgot, no traction tires.

When you do install DCC in the locos, make sure the boards allow for programming on the main - this allows for easy speed matching.  QSI boards are good for double heading or helpers, since they allow for both programming on the main, and each loco attemps to adapt to the speed of the other, instead of fighting.  If you are using boards with the typical back emf (not QSI), you might need to turn its strength down a bit.

It depends on a number of factors. Gearbox ratio, diesel wheel versus steam loco driver diameters, motor type, etc. As was mentioned before, it can be very difficult just to get two of the exact same locos to run as a pair on straight DC. If you REALLY want to double head, then DCC is the way to go, as the ability to precisely contol the speed of each loco is already a part of the application.

Getting started with a DCC control system is inexpensive too, by purchasing the NCE Power Cab. It's totally self-contained, and can be found for under $150.

Matt Forsyth

Forsyth Rail Services

http://mattforsyth.com/?attachment_id=962  

Thanks for the info Matt, very helpful.

It appears to be pretty close to impossible to get two locomotives to operate in perfect tandem. I purchased two Sunset CPR D10 4-6-0's (exactly the same mechanism/drive train) with the intent of double-heading them, and one is a bit of a jack rabbit, pushing the other. But, apparently that doesn't deviate too much from prototype, as I recall Warren McGee, of Northern Pacific fame, describing two doubleheaded NP 4-6-6-4's and how the rear engine pushed the front one all the way to Livingston, MT. The forward engineer was a slow-runner!

I run triple all the time.  Sometimes one locomotive is slipping, thus cleaning the track for me.  For about six months one of the inner loops had two ten- wheelers on the point, then ten freIght cars, and finally a consolidation pushing.  No problem at all on filtered DC.  My locomotives are all powered by Pittman/ NWSL.

Marker

If you have a Proto 3 diesels and a Proto 3 steam locomotive running on two rails with DCC it will be just the same as running 3 rail locomotives with DCS.  They come out of the box with matching speed maps. 

I sure wish the rest of the DCC world would standardize on a common speed map.