Reversing an "A" unit

[rbryce1]

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?

[Ken G Price]

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.

[NarrowMinded]

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

[jward]

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.

[NarrowMinded]

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

[Jerrys HO]

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