Mr. Bachmann Man and others:
I'm running my new Bachmann DCC-equipped 2-8-0 on DC temporarily in advance of shifting to DCC control next month. The problem is speed -- even with no rolling stock in tow and the throttle wide open, the 2-8-0 runs about half as fast as my Bachmann non-DCC 2-6-0's. Will the speed improve when I convert to DCC control? Is there another problem I should be addressing? Or do I just have a lazy engine on my hands?
Very normal. Control will be very different when you run with DCC. You can disable the DCC by using the dummy plugs supplied -- but may not be worth it if you are changing over to DCC soon.
Just a side note, real narrow-guage steam locos didn't run very fast.
The DCC electronics soak up several volts before it gets to the motor, resulting in a higher starting voltage, which means you only have so much voltage left for higher speeds. Also i believe that the 2-8-0 has smaller diameter drivers and possibly lower gearing than the older 2-6-0 which would further compound the difference in speed. When you begin running with DCC (14-16 volts on the track), you'll be able to get plenty of speed. Of course, then your 2-6-0's will be unable to run on the DCC powered track.