If you want to complicate things further, some EMD locomotives are equipped with "Switcher Mode." This may be turned on by a simple bat handle toggle switch somewhere on the control stand, or may be one of the lineup of on-off switches originally built into the stand.
When implemented, nothing is different until the throttle is moved to Run 3, at which time the amps and pull jump up significantly, goosing the locomotive and its cars into motion. It is extremely helpful when kicking cars. We do not often kick model cars, but this operating mode would make flat switching less frustrating than dealing with very slow starts of models.
If the throttle is held in Run 2 for, say, 10 seconds, then moved to Run 3, there is no sudden jump in loading. It stays normal.
You should be able to get the same effect by setting your starting signals to get the locomotive moving quickly in a particular throttle notch.
All the above is from personal experience in a relatively limited number of locomotives in a short line setting, with locomotives that had already had a long life, so I have no idea how or how much they might have been modified throughout their lives.
Steve Bartlett
