I am new to model railroading, and it is far different than when I was a youngster. I purchased an Erie Lackawanna diesel engine (64603) model, FA2, and now have learned about FA2 with sound. If I purchase the same engine equipped with DCC and Sound, can I run one of them in reverse to have a dual engine setup using two "A" engines?
Yes, you can as long as you have a DCC system and engine decoder
that will support doing that.
On my system it is done with CV29. I do not know about other systems.
You don't mention the dcc controller you have but Even the Ez-command has a procedure for switching the direction a locomotive "Thinks" is forward or reverse.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/ezcommand_2010.php?ezpage=1
NM-Jeff
it should be noted that the above 2 posts only apply if both locomotives are dcc equipped. since the non sound fa2s are not dcc equipped, i suspect this will not be the case here. to run 2 a units back to back on dc, you merely turn one of them around. it should also be noted that if you try to run a non dcc locomotive with a dcc sound one, on dcc, their speed curves will be totally different. they will probably fight each other.
Hi,
Jward maybe right about right about the loco's fighting each other.
But... if your going to buy a Dcc sound unit you likely are going to want a dcc controller to play with all the Bells and whistles, and then add a decoder to The loco you mention which is dcc ready so adding a decoder to it should be easy, bachmanns Dcc ready HO loco's that I have bought have taken just minutes to pop the shell and plug a decoder in and replace the shell.
You may have to adjust the decoders a little to make them run the same in consist but that's not that hard to do. and if you have a local train store or club you maybe able to have them do it or help you if needed.
NM-Jeff
jward is correct.
I myself have done an ABA setup, my first A unit is DCC, B unit is DCC, second A unit was DC until I removed the insides to make it a dummy.
My plans are to add a sound decoder to the dummy unit since I have powered trucks.
If you did not spend a lot on your DC engine you can do the same.
Jerry