Hi everyone,
I just purchased a N scale Kato starter set (Amtrak Superliner w/ P42 Genesis locomotive) and I’m looking to expand my track layout. Since it comes with the starter / master set with power pack, I was looking to add the Variation 6 set (outer loop in the figure below) with it.
If I add the V6 set, would I need an additional power block, or is there a way to connect the two tracks so that an electric current can flow through both of them?
I assume you want to run 2 separate trains on the separate loops. Assuming your power pack has sufficient power output (at least 8VA and preferably more), you could hook up a duplicate set of wires to each loop. But - and this is a big one - both trains would go in the same direction and at somewhat similar speeds. There is no way to control the 2 trains independently without a second power pack.
The “best” way is to have a separate power pack or throttle for every train you want to control.
my thoughts, your choices
Fred W
What follows assumes that you’re using DC, and not a DCC system…
I would advise you to get two feeders for each loop. I had the basic Kato loop set up on a door, and found my trains lost power at the far end of the loop. The trains ran much better when I had feeders at the front and rear of the loop.
I would definitely invest in a second power pack for the outer loop. As fwright said, if you run all of these off one pack, the trains will start and stop at the same time, and move in the same direction. (You’ll probably need the second pack sooner or later.)
And don’t feel you have to use a Kato pack. Any good quality powerpack will do.
That is correct, this is a DC system I’m running. I do have another power pack, one made by Model Power and it’s hooked up to a loop of Atlas track. Since I’ve discovered Unitrack, I want to replace that loop with the Kato Unitrack. For those that know about Unitrack, it requires a special connector wire that goes under the feeder track to the power pack. However, the connector wire that Kato uses with its track and power pack doesn’t seem compatible with the Model Power power pack.
This is the Model Power power pack that I’m using:
http://www.amazon.com/1250-Deluxe-Power-Pack-HO/dp/B0006KQG8O
It has two screws on the power pack and on the one of the rails which I simply can attach any type of copper wire.
I was thinking of using my existing Model Power power pack and soldering one end of the copper wire to a pair of metal track feeders. Would that work?
To connect Kato wiring, Kato makes an adapter that has the fork-shaped connectors that are used by most conventional powerpacks. The part number is #24-843. Kato also makes a terminal joiner, which is a pair of rail joiners connected to a length of wire. The part number is #24-818. If you decide on an all-Kato solution, I would get two #24-827 three-way extension cords.
That would work. I would drill holes in a piece of track, and solder the wires to the outside. Make sure you use heat sinks or wet towels to avoid damaging the plastic. If you’ve successfully soldered conventional track, you should do fine with the Kato.
THANK YOU SO MUCH! That is extremely helpful!