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Problem Lashing locomotives
Kirk who models O gauge asks:
“I read that you can lash 2 Lionel LionChief locomotives by orienting them in the same direction and using a single remote. I bought 2 BNSF Tier 4 and tried this. Worked well at first but after about 10 different times of running around my 60 ft loop, they started to get jerky. Then they just stopped. I separated them and found one engine would not move. It would light up and rev up but that’s it. Did I do something wrong?”
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
I would look closely at the drive mechanism in the loco that no longer moves. I can’t really speak about Lionel units but it’s a issue the smaller scales when using DCC to build a multi-unit consist. Essentially, the locos should be speed matched so that the power applied results in the actual speed of the locos matches when running separated. This prevents one loco from trying to overpower or induce drag onto the other loco. When this happens, one loco is putting unusual stresses on its drive system and can damage the motors or gearing.