How to run two trains on the same transformer

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

I am new to model train hobby. My wife gave me the Lionel Hogwarts Express as a Christmas present. It runs great. Last weekend we bought more fast track and a MTH Pittsburgh Trolley. I set up an other fast track for the Trolley and wired it to the to train side of the cw80 transformer that came with the Hogwarts Express. With both units wired to the transformer the Tolley responds, but the Hogwarts only lights up. If I give the transformer more power the Trolley goes too fast and crashes into the bumper. The Hogwarts will move when given more power. Also, both units work great, if one is removed from its track.

What did I do wrong?

Thanks

Muggle_Dad

2

Mr. Muggles,

You really need two throttles to run two trains independently in “conventional mode”. What you’re trying to do is run a sports car and a truck with a single gas peddal!

There are two things you can do:

  1. Buy another transformer, and wire that to the trolley line. The trolley won’t need a whole lot of juice, so a Lionel PowerMax or accessory transformer should be fine. Try eBay for a really good deal. There are always a bunch there.

OR

  1. Go with TMCC. You’d need to upgrade both units though. So try the first method first.

Jon [8D]

3

OR

  1. Run the trolley from the ACC posts on the CW-80. Program/set the ACC voltage as per the manual(it’s infinitely adjustable) for satisfactory operation.

Run the Hogwarts from the “Track” posts.

Rob

4

Kooljock 1

Thanks for the tips.

Muggle_Dad

5

ADCX Rob

Thanks for the information.

Muggle_Dad