Double heading

[Rick7202]

Hi, i have a problem where i cannot get 2 locos to double head. One is a Hornby Drummond 700 with a Hornby standard 8 pin decoder and the other is a Hornby Terrier with a Hornby 6 pin decoder. The controller is a gaugemaster prodigy 2. I have no problem double heading with other locos which use a variety of decoders it is just the standard Hornby ones which give a problem.

Any help appreciated.

[Chrissaf]

Whilst you wait for a reply, perhaps you would spend a few minutes reviewing the TIPs in the TIP page link below:

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TIP: As a newbie poster on the forum, just be aware that the 'Blue Button with the White Arrow' is not a 'Reply to this post' button. If you want to reply to any of the posts, scroll down and write your reply in the reply text box at the bottom of the page and click the Green 'Reply' button.

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See also – further TIPs on how to get the best user experience from this forum.

https://www.hornby.com/uk-en/forum/tips-on-using-the-forum/

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[96RAF]

Neither of the Hornby basic decoders - R8249 or its 4-pin variant in the Terrier support direct consisting (Multiple heading).

Your GM PA2 may/may not be capable of running a consist on its own - see below.

 

There are three basic ways of consisting...

1. By the decoder. This requires the consist configuration to be held in each locos decoder as a secondary consist address. The locos will not respond to their own address whilst in a consist.

2. By the controller. The consist configuration is held solely by a capable controller regardless of the decoder. Not all controllers can do this. A loco can be moved to another layout or controller and be used on its own address.

3. By model railway operating software. The software configures the consist and sends a ‘fudged’ command to each consisted loco via a connected controller. Railmaster uses this technique. Functions for each loco can be operated separately e.g. horns, whistles, egine start, etc. The decoders do not have to be consist capable as the commands are sent to both locos own address under the guise of a screen consist address.

[Rick7202]

Many thanks for your reply RAF96. By what you say i think i will look at putting a Bachmann or Zen decoder in the 2 locos as have had no problems consisting using them. 

[96RAF]

The decoder specs will confirm if they can be consisted - simple or advanced - there are several kind of standard ‘definitions’ of consisting unfortunately, as well as methods.