Pcgumshoe,
I would think there are several issues here. If you have front pickups going to front decoder only and likewise for the rear, then if you have track issues, only one decoder is getting power and command signals and the other stalls out. Think of it this way, the whole point of DCC is being able to run multiple locomotives on the same track without blocks. So I would think you would want feeders from both front and rear trucks going to both decoders.
Second, you are going to have a heck of a time speed matching the two different brands of decoders to drive the motors at close to the same speed to keep the loco running smooth. If you are going to do separate decoders, I would think at least use the same brand so you have a decent chance of speed matching.
There may be other issues at play, but those struck me as foremost.
Others here may have more advice too. Or differing opinions.
I look forward to hearing how it all plays out for you.
Tom Wilson
