Hello,
I timed my locomotives around my small layout with and without cars attached. Using this information I put two locomotives (with similar pulling characteristics) together to pull one long train of cars around. Is this sound practice or should I be concerned about damaging either locomotive prematurely. One is a Kato RS3, the other is an Atlas GP-38.
Also I have a new Model Power FPA(?) locomotive that runs reasonably well (*) but generates a lot of crackling noises in my power supply when I run it at any speed. (Computer speakers will also pick up this elec. noise.) It left the power supply unaffected when I first bought it, but more recently (with use), it has started this problem.
(*) - Actually this locomotive will derail at turnouts if I run it at top speed, while other more expensive locomotives sail around the curves and turnouts fine. I know. I get what I pay for.