I've just had a go at the ECW Vintage Railtour run which involves a class 66 at both the front and rear of the passenger coaches. Setting off as normal the leading loco seemed very sluggish so I watched as the train passed by and the rear class 66 was clearly only ticking over. I've obviously missed out somewhere in setting up the locos so that the rear one mirrors the operation of the class 66 being driven. Can anyone shed any light on how to do this properly?
I think on the tour the rear 66 is dead in transit, I don't think you can set up for multiple working. Anyhow, the lead 66 should have no trouble pulling a dead 66, you could make sure the brakes are "cut out" on the EMS on the rear to ensure they release.
I think the rear 66 is meant to be the back up loco if the vintage machine at the front fails. So ordinarily I’m sure it should be pulled dead until needed.
Many thanks for the replies. As you say the front 66 is certainly capable of pulling the train by itself so I think the backup idea makes sense.
And it supplies heating to the train if the loco at the front isn't fitted with the appropriate equipment.
