what is a dummy car?

[HOtrainman]

i kinda have a feeling, but not 100% sure.

my idea- it is a non-powered locomotive. Am i right?

 

[Triplex]

A dummy locomotive is non-powered, yes.

 

[bigsteel]

a dummy engine is normally an engine in an A-B set of say f units.the b unit is normally the dummy to make it look more prototypical while pulling a large load.and sometimes the dummy car carrys sound for the set.

 

[CNWman]

a dummy engine is normally an engine in an A-B set of say f units.the b unit is normally the dummy to make it look more prototypical while pulling a large load.and sometimes the dummy car carrys sound for the set.

or sometimes it's a reversed A unit also which serves the same purpose as the B unit

 

[Ralph]

A dummy can be any type of loco. I have a dummy GP 38-2 that I run with a powered unit as well as a dummy GP-9 and two SD9s.
Ralph

 

[60103]

Years ago, there was a unit called a "steam dummy". This was a locomotive on a local line that had a body fitted to look like a coach. I think it was supposed to not frighten the horses. (Toby the Tram Engine looks a bit like a steam dummy.) Not to be confused with an inspection engine which had a coach body mounted on the running boards so that the brass could sit around the boiler and look ahead at the tracks.

 

[granpa]

That's the car I ride in !!!

Granpa

 

[Mountain Man]

It is a specially designed freight car for shipping mannequins to department stores! sign1