DCC Consisting

[Beau12]

Is there a problem using the Bachmann EZ Command Controller to consist two locomotives where one locomotive runs faster solo operation than the other for the same location of the speed control knob? Is there possible damage to the either locomotive when consisting since one is pulling harder or the other is dragging on the other?

[Maletrain]

When you say "consisting" in the context of the EZ Command Controller, I assume you mean just assigning both locos the same number.  If they run close to the same speed, there probably won't be any damage, because one will slow the other down and the other will speed the first one up, so that they match speed without dragging wheels.  But, if they are so different that one is dragging wheels, that can pull off traction tires and put grooves in the dragged wheels if it is done for long.  And, if the speeds are a lot different, then running the two together might not pull any more cars than just one by itself, or even fewer cars.

But, with more advanced DCC command stations, it is possible to adjust the speed of each locomotive so that they run at the same speed at each throttle setting.  This is called "speed matching" and requires a DCC command station that is able to change computer memory values in decoders.  Those values are called "configuration variables" and abbreviated "CV".  There are two ways of speed matching.  One involves just 3 CVs: start, mi-speed, and top speed.  The other is more elaborate, and involves a table of many CVs for many speed steps.

If you have a friend with a more advanced DCC command station than can program decoder CVs, then you might get him to speed match your two locomotives for you.  Once the CVs are set to match the speeds, they will run at the same speed on any controller.

[Cid Chase]

"If you have a friend with a more advanced DCC command station than can program decoder CVs, then you might get him to speed match your two locomotives for you.motives for you."

Or, you might look at a getting your own. That's the problem with EZ Command. No CV access.  Oh, well...