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Discussion Boards => General Discussion => Topic started by: rbryce1 on June 09, 2012, 08:51:30 PM

Title: Reversing an "A" unit
Post by: rbryce1 on June 09, 2012, 08:51:30 PM
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?
Title: Re: Reversing an "A" unit
Post by: Ken G Price on June 09, 2012, 09:12:44 PM
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.
Title: Re: Reversing an "A" unit
Post by: NarrowMinded on June 09, 2012, 10:56:18 PM
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
Title: Re: Reversing an "A" unit
Post by: jward on June 10, 2012, 03:47:57 AM
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.
Title: Re: Reversing an "A" unit
Post by: NarrowMinded on June 10, 2012, 05:43:37 AM
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
Title: Re: Reversing an "A" unit
Post by: Jerrys HO on June 10, 2012, 07:52:13 AM
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