Is there a good resource for understanding how to run two trains on one track in DC? I’m looking to run two trains (Not simultaneously, one will be in it’s own yard or on it’s own siding while the other is running). Is there an easy way to do this?
I’ve read a lot on blocking and I understand how separating blocks allow them to be independent but what power source controls two trains in independent blocks? Is that what a dual train DC power pack does?
Any clarification or links would be great, thanks.
If you find a transformer with a big enough amp rating you can run two at once. Maybe three. I used to run four with an old Troller Autopulse and make it trip the circut breaker all the time. It took a lot to make it trip. Usually four or more trains. It would run three all day, though.
You need to have insulated rail joiners and toggle switches so you can turn sidings and yard tracks on and off, so you can leave one train sitting on a siding while the other is running.
A dual-control power pack would not accomplish what you need; it would allow you to run two trains on separate tracks at the same time, at different speeds
Thanks Cacole, I’m basically looking at a mainline with a passing track where I will park the out of use train. So I’m thinking I need an on-off type switch. I checked out some sites and I see they have SPDT and DPDT along with On-On and On-Off-On. I guess i would need the latter, what is the difference between SPDT and DPDT.?
SPDT means single-pole (one wire), double-throw (On-On).
DPDT means double-pole (two wires), double-throw.
DPDT On-Off-On means that the switch has 3 positions with the center position being Off, and the other two being On.
Any of these switches could be used to do what you want. A SPDT switch would turn off just one rail, but that would effectively prevent a train from running. A DPDT switch would turn off the power to both rails. A DPDT switch would allow you to control two separate pieces of track or sidings, according to which way the switch was thrown.
I bought a book a long time ago called Blueprints for Atlas Snap Track Layouts. It explains two train DC operation pretty good with track plans, how to use insulated joiners,reverse loop how to’s, track blocking and wiring diagrams.Naturally they show you examples useing all Atlas electrical products, but you can use regular toggle switches if you want.You can use either 2 seperate power paks or 1 duel control power pak.Make sure they’re high enough amperage or they’ll over heat and keep kicking off.
You can get good paks on Ebay cheap with the advent of all the DCC stuff nowadays.
Yes, to do this you only need a dead block for each of the trains to stop on.
You only need a dual train power pack if you are going to run two trains simultaniously. From what you described you only need a simple one train power pack and one rail isolated blocks where the two trains will be “parked”. Use a simple on/off switch in the feeder wire to each of those isolated tracks. When you want to run one of the trains just turn its track ON while leaving the other OFF.
So basically there will only be four wires to the track. Normal two wires to most of the track. One wire with on/off switch in it to each of the sidings.
As you expand your operation the demand for more powerful packs will come
into play so take a look at http://www.modelrectifier.com and click on the power
pack icon, then tech 4.
The higher the VA rating(volt-amps) 7 VA to 20 VA, the more locos you can run.
Those switches look like just what I need and I’ll probably definitely get a tech 4. Just one other clarification, how would I know if I need a single pole or double pole switch? The train will be moving the same direction throughout the layout so would that mean I only need to insulate one rail going into the siding? or is it just easier to insulate both and use the DPDT switch?
I believe you should insulate both rails and either the connector or selector . The selector will shut of the yard power. Think of it as a light switch on the wall.