Provided the two locomotives are reasonably speed matched, I can't see why there should be a problem and I've never experienced any when I have done it. Indeed, it's quite useful as if one loco hits a dirty bit of track the other will likely nudge it onto a cleaner bit. If the locomotives aren't relatively close in speed then you're likely to see derailments, which will be so irritating you won't do it for long!

Hope this helps, all the best


Chris

In my experience, if a loco is overloaded it’s wheels will spin rather than stalling the motor, so that’s relatively harmless.

Most of my layout is on a gradient, so if I want to run a long train I need to double-head to get the traction.

Cheers


Chris

I'm half way through my lock-down Z project.

I wanted plenty of undulation and I used some Woodland scenics polystyrene inclines and risers to achieve a mountainous feel.
I'm new to this and didn't plan very well.
I used the 4% inclines for the main oval (rises front to back) but in the middle cross-over I doubled to get close to 6% incline to cross a bridge.

I had read that a 4% incline was pretty much the limit and now I see why.
Whilst all of my locos can climb the layout I'm very limited in the number of coaches or trucks I can add.

I don't regret the plan as being small (115 x 55 cm) a few trucks keeps the look balanced but if I want to pull more then say 3 coaches or 6 wagons I have had to start playing with using two loco's and it's quite successful.

As mentioned above the trick is to using loco's with similar motor size.

@Irlgartner - In a specific answer to your question I don't think there will be any damage.
So now I'm actively purchasing Loco's that come as doubles.

I have just today received an American diesel 88198 which I'm hoping will haul at least 10 smallish trucks up my 6% incline.
https://www.maerklin.de/...ts/details/article/88198

I'm sorely tempted by the pairing of 88627
https://www.maerklin.de/...ts/details/article/88627
and it's 'partner' 88626
https://www.maerklin.de/...ts/details/article/88626

If you look at the product description of 88626 it states at the bottom '88626 can be added to 88627 for double the pulling power'.
So Marklin is openly advocating the use of two locos together.
I note that they both have the same spec. motor so they should work in harmony.

The only downside I can see here is the cost.
This new hobby is quite a strain on the wallet. Good job the missus is relatively 'under-standing' :-)

Absolutely - the amount of variation is quite surprising and the results often counter-intuitive. The top pulling diesel in my fleet is the 88132 Ludmilla and my star performing steamer the venerable 88942 BR94 which will pull 10 8730 coaches up by 3% gradients. The 88889 BR85 -seemingly a more powerful locomotive - can barely manage 3 and 88962 BR86 can't even do that, even with extra weight!

My impression is that double heading more than doubles the pulling power, though I haven't tested that with anything approaching scientific vigour!

Cheers


Chris

Nice pic Dwight.

Do you mean not much going on with you or not much going on here?

I'll admit it's a little quiet in the Z scale forum.

I've just posted a few pics of my efforts so far on another thread in case anyone is interested.

That's a really nice looking layout, Dwight! I really like double-track configurations, though my own layout was too focussed on a particular prototype to be able to include one. For my next layout I will have one, though!

Cheers


Chris