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Post by david88 on Jun 24, 2022 11:49:10 GMT -5
I have two AZL GP38-2s that I would like to run together as a consist. However, their speeds do not match well. One runs about 30% faster than the other. When coupled together, they appear to run okay, but I'm just wondering if it will create extra wear that could damage the locos.
I'm using DC so there's no way to change the speed curve.
Does anyone have any experience with this?
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rvn2001
Engineer
Posts: 246
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Post by rvn2001 on Jun 24, 2022 12:36:44 GMT -5
I run DC only too. I usually put the slower loco in the front to avoid un-coupling. I haven't seen any problem so far.
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Post by Kez on Jun 24, 2022 13:46:32 GMT -5
It would be optimal if you could figure out WHY they run so differently. A 30% differential would be more than I would personally want to have coupled together.
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Post by dazed on Jun 24, 2022 14:23:55 GMT -5
Have both locos gone through a similar "burn in" period. In other words, typically it's a good idea to run the locos for a period of time, (an hour?) both in forward and reverse, then physically turn the loco around and again run in forward and reverse for a bit. I've found that as that process happens, the GP38-2's all seem to adjust to a similar speed eventually. Just one thing to consider.
If bought used, you might check to make sure one of them doesn't have a DCC decoder installed.
Don't think I would worry about damaging them, but it can be annoying, and you're not getting full benefit of the pulling power. Another benefit of putting the slower loco up front is that more of the work is placed on the trailing loco which will naturally slow it down some too. (although, that's probably negligible on level track)
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Post by cwrr on Jun 24, 2022 15:22:27 GMT -5
Another thing to check-are they the older versions with the crumbling frame issue?
One could be starting to come apart and be binding, therefor slowing down.
There's another thread on here about this and how to exchange them for the newer version.
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Post by david88 on Jun 28, 2022 11:29:49 GMT -5
Thank you for the replies.
I bought both locomotives new, and they are well broken in by now. I had some trouble getting one of them reassembled after taking it apart to weather it, so that might be why it's slower than the other.
I've been testing them together and they run well as a consist. I have the slower one running short hood forward and the other long hood forward, which equalizes the speeds somewhat. They work well together at low speeds.
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Post by BAZman on Jun 28, 2022 14:46:32 GMT -5
Check the slow one for over-tightened screws. Back the out 1/2 turn, or so. But try a small, flat Jewelers screwdriver between the chassis's. A wedge front, middle, flat. Just enough you know there is pressure.
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