Hey Madhatter, that's a good idea on using the dummy for extra wheels picking up power. Since my layout is in my garage and is exposed to dust, I know I will have problems with dirty track. The extra set of wheels picking up power is sweet.
I did two more Athearn locos today, a GP-35 and another CF-7. I did an experiment, I ran some single locos and was getting alot of light flickering and even some stalling. But with the MU set-up, there is no light flickering or anythng, just beautifully running locos.
Wayne, I'm with you, too much power is better than not enough.