Speed Matching

[Topherisme]

Would it be easier to speed match for consists sticking to one brand of loco using same decoder? Or once you get the hang of it does it really matter anymore? Have been researching the subject, some make it sound like spd match is nothing complicated, others go into extreme detail making it seem complicated…

 

[CambriaArea51]

Would it be easier to speed match for consists sticking to one brand of loco using same decoder? Or once you get the hang of it does it really matter anymore? Have been researching the subject, some make it sound like spd match is nothing complicated, others go into extreme detail making it seem complicated…

Yes it is easier to speed match same brand and decoder brand. However for example a friend of mine had to speed match 2 Scale trains engines that had an ESU version 4 and one with the version 5. He used JMRI to do this by using the speed table. I believe he overlaps one on the other to step by step match them. I know he has also done this with other types of decoders but sticks to the same manufacture of the engine.

 

[kjd]

I think the easiest is to pick one loco as the standard and match all others to it. I keep forgetting which one is the standard though. Maybe there are too many.

That said, I'm looking at a trio of locos running together from 3 manufacturers with two different brands of decoders. They are getting along just fine.

 

[D&J RailRoad]

It's a matter of patience, trial and error then adjust. Not only the speed has to be adjusted but the momentum of each loco so they accelerate and slow at the same rate.

 

[dennis461]

If you are trying to match locos to run uncoupled around a layout, then it is complicated.
If the locos are coupled, it is easy.
When coupled, a mismatch is not too important, the faster loco will push(or pull) the slower one.

 

[Topherisme]

When coupled, a mismatch is not too important, the faster loco will push(or pull) the slower one

Seems like over time you would be damaging something in the locos, more likely the slower loco…

 

[D&J RailRoad]

electric motors that fight each other will get pretty hot. You'll also get derailments from locos pushing each other.

 

[Topherisme]

Sounds about right, unfortunately I am ocd so these locos will have to be extra close or I won’t be satisfied. Have run across a few varying opinions about best way to set (28 or 128 spd step most commonly). From the sounds of it my double main will help run them side by side for visual check so at least there is that…

 

[CambriaArea51]

If they are new or don't have much run time I would break them in so to speak before speed matching. I've noticed my engines run smoother after running them and pulling a load then when they were right out of the box.

 

[dennis461]

Seems like over time you would be damaging something in the locos, more likely the slower loco…

I am talking a slight mismatch, not anything major.

 

[Topherisme]

Gotchya

 

[KB02]

A dislike of speed matching is basically the main reason I am switching to RailPro for my operating system.

I had three Athearn BB units pretty well speed matched, then I updated the decoder in one and the motor in another. I then had to start from scratch - but couldn't quite get them to be consistently close enough to MU together without problems. Later I speed matched an Atlas and Rivarossi Loco. Again, a decoder upgrade later, I was back to square one - except this time I didn't bother.

Using a tool like JMRI makes the speed matching process 1000x easier than just using a hand held cab, but it's still, in my opinion, a long, slow, trial and error process.