Steam+Diesel Multiple Unit Operation

A quick run-down of how to operate a steam and a diesel engine at the same time. You know, for those moments when one steam engine alone just isn't enough.

More power!

Do you love running the big 2-8-2, but sometimes wish it had a bit more power to get very heavy loads up the hill? Just get yourself a helper!

Requirements

Most importantly, you need the remote control, which you can buy in at least one of the shops.

You'll also need one diesel engine that can be remote controlled: DE-2, DH-4, or DE-6.

How it Works

1) Enter the diesel locomotive of your choice.

2) Switch on the remote control and pair it with the locomotive.

3) Assemble your train. Hook up the diesel to the train as usual.

4) Couple the steam engine to the front end of the train.

5) Important: do not open the brake pipe valves between the steamer and the diesel engine! The two do have incompatible brake systems.

6) You can now run your train.
+ Use the steam engine for acceleration
+ Use the diesel for extra boost when needed (via the remote), otherwise keep it in neutral and throttle off to save fuel
+ Use only the diesel to control the train brake (via the remote). Don't forget that the steam engine isn't connected to the rest of the train's brakes.

This also gives you the opportunity to remote control your entire train from the ground. Just make sure to release the steam engine's brakes and open the cylinder ♥♥♥♥♥ before you start.

In theory, all of this should even work with more than one diesel locomotive in your consist if you own the MU cable.

Mind the Running Costs

Mind that this is not the most cost-efficient way to run your train. You probably shouldn't use this as your default mode of traveling unless you have a huge pile of DV dollars in your wallet.

Using two (or more) engines causes quite a bit of extra running costs:

• The steam engine always has to haul the diesel's extra weight around, causing increased coal and water consumption.
  
• The diesel engine is constantly running, too, eating small amounts of oil and fuel even if it's only idling behind your steamer.
  
• Both engines will suffer wear and tear.

Mind that you won't be able to see the diesel engine's temperature gauge, so don't push the diesel too hard especially if it's the little DE-2.