I saw at thor’s website in the O/O27 illistrated section that he was running three trains at a time. one on the mainline, and two others on the sidings. how did he do this. if thor is there can you tell me how you did this?[;)] or can some body tell me how to do it simplely?[:p]
Jerry,
I don’t know about Thor’s layout, but I use TMCC on my toy train layout and can run as many trains at one time as I can keep track of. It’s a very simple system that’s easy to use. Of course, like a traditional layout, you can make it as complex as you want. On my layout TMCC controls the trains, switches, and accessories. It’s worth looking at TMCC.
Bill
jerrylovestrains,
Its relatively easy to run multiple trains on a layout using power blocks and “cab control”
I use an atlas selector switch that has four slide switches and have 3 sidings to “park” trains on if I want another on the main line.
I use a KW transformer with two throttles, the atlas selector has two terminals to receive wires. I connect the “a” posts of both the A & B throttle controls on the transformer to these connectors. then run the “power” wires from the top of the connectors to any insulated blocks I want on the layout.The slide switches on the connector have “A” & “B” positions with the center position being “off”, (no power).
P.S. I learned how to do "cab control"by reading “Model railroading with LIONEL trains” by Roland Lavoie
so you insulate the sidings and use the selector to switch the power on and off?[:D]
Yes, It helps if you have a two throttle power source, like a “K” or “Z” w .So you can switch between throttle “A” or “B” and get into some “serious operations”.[:-,]
Jerry, I have done automation using relays and have had as many as 5 trains sharing a closed circuit of track with sidings.
Given your age and budget, and the size of your layout, your trying to attempt some of this fancy stuff may be a little out of your reach at this time. I would be happy to explain it all to you if you like, as I recently did for another member here.
If you are just looking for simple manual train swapping that is much easier and less expensive, Pennsy_fan is on the case.
Pennsy _fan, just so you know, Jerry is one of our youngest members, which may explain a lot.[swg]
Hi Big Boy 4005
Being a kid myself (albeit 38 y.o.),[:D] I havent forgotten how “triumphant” it feels to accompli***wo locos operating on a single main track. or having a freight pull onto a siding to let that “express train” pass.When I was about 11 y.o., I remember pouring over the '76 lionel catalog I picked up @ the local hobby shop.I used to set up track in the basement & had real powered wires running from my transformer over the track on lionel telephone poles, w/feeder wires to the street lights (all 3). Lighting my plasticville “village” that consisted of a post office, school house, & covered bridge.
The best thing anyone can do to increase their knowledge in this field is read, read, read.Today there are TONS of books & how to videos for everything toy & scale train modeling more than ever before, Id wager.It truly is a GREAT time for model railroading.
jerrylovestrains, I highly recommend “model railroading with lionel trains” and even better, “operating 0 and 027 trains” by K-Line[:D]
Pennsy_fan
The easiest way to run multiple trains on the same loop (without new-tech)
is to divide the center rail feed into segments. this is done by inserting an
insulating pin into the middle rail, thus creating “blocks”. Each block can be
controlled by a switch or push button. I use Lionel #88 Control Switches
(these are Normally-Closed push buttons) to stop/slow trains in their respec-
tive blocks, thus keeping them apart. This is the simplest way to run many
trains on a single loop. My layout has 3 routes divided up into 8 sections
allowing me to run up to 8 trains on the layout. The feed for each block runs
from the transformer through the #88 button to the designated “block”.
There is no need to insulate the common rail when making blocks because
you can stop your train by cutting the power to the middle rail. By using a
push button type of switch you can also slow the train in a block by rapidly
tapping the button, thus allowing the train to coast while interupting the
power. Hold the button down longer and the train will stop in the block. It
is important that you remember where each block begins and ends, or a
train can coast into the next block and start up again. I have seen layouts
that have adapted Lionel signals to change or go off when the power to
that block is cut. This is easy enough to do. Simply wire a lighted signal
to each block and have the signal facing the operator’s position instead
of facing the oncoming train.
Hope this is helpful.
thanks but it seems that i will have to get a bigger transformer with two controls in order to do this.[V] maybe i could find a kw or something like that[:)]
Jerry, the members of this forum helped me do this, with just one transformer - of course I’m changing things as we ‘speak’ using a R transformer - they advised me to isolate the siding and connect it to a SP or DP switch so I could turn it on or off. If your transformer puts out enough power, you can try what we did too - just put two trains out there on the track as far apart as I could make them and just let them run - of course slowing the controller slowed them both - and one would eventually come close to catching the other, but it was fun.
jerry,
theres other alternatives to a “multiple throttle” transformer.
you could use two “smaller” transformers to get the same results
(just make sure their “phased” together).Theres earlier topic on this forum on phasing transformers together.
Hang in there Jerry, these things take time.
It took me a very long time to really get things GOING. You’re lucky, you have this forum, and all of these wonderful brains to pick. When I was your age I had my father the lawyer as my only source of help. To this day, he can barely handle a screwdriver, and is truely dangerous with a hammer.
Pennsy_fan, its my 1971 catalog that is so well worn, but then I AM 5 YEARS OLDER. Imagine that!!![swg][swg][8D]