Is it possible to copy animated rods from one model to another without loosing the animation sequences on a steam locomotive? This applies to an articulated locomotive, and I was curious if I could easily copy the animations that have been completed on the lead engine, to the rear engine without having to redue any animations? Animating close to 20 rods is quite time consuming.

Also, when doing animations, how is the best way to set up the heirarchy? On the lead engine, I have most of the rods as children of the main object, with the exception of the driving rods, eccentric cranks and main rods that are children of their respected driving wheels. Is there a better way I should do these?
I have LSRods1-LSRods9 (left side), RSRods1-RSRods9 (right side), LSPiston & RSPiston and RodsLS1 & RodsRS1 (driving rods).

The front engine I have exported into the sim and she runs smoothly in regards to animations.

Thanks!

Mykel