I have an American flyer post war 2 rail dogbone type layout and would like to run two trains on the same line. Since the trains run at different speeds, is there a simple way I can use a block signal, or the 758 semaphore man to halt one train from over taking another? Which clips would I need and how would I wire this up? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Are the two train controlled by the same transformer or two different transformers??
My “HO” layout is cut into blocks and utilizes Cab Control. Your suggestions are great but depending on how many blocks your layout is in, this could be expensive. Might want to think of a Lionel contactor, or large pressure switch under the ties, or reed switches, or relays,or even small DPDT toggle switches on the control panel to switch the power from one section to the next.
Good luck!
Wes
Yes there is a method. It is found on page 323 of the Complete Service Manual for American Flyer Trains by K-Line. If you are even mildly serious about AF post war trains and accessories, this book is worth it’s weight in gold.
I will write out the procedure for two train operation on the same track. From here on I typing what is in the book.
Two trains can be run on the same track by using (1) #26672 track trip as shown in fig. 4. Replace (3) steel pins with fiber pins and attach (3) pow-r-klips as shown.
Lock the remote control reversing unit in the locomotives so they will run in a forward direction. Place two trains on the track facing in the direction of travel shown in fig. #4 so the loco of one train is on the insulated section of track and the loco of the second train is to the left of the #690 terminal.
Plug in the transformer and turn the control handle to about half speed. Second train should start up as it passes over the track trip joint it will start up first train. Adjust the speeds so both trains will continue around the layout one train stopping at insulated section until the other train passes over the track trip joint and starts it up again.
If the difference in speeds between the two trains is such that the slower train catches up to it and causes a rear end collision, the speeds can be balanced by removing cars from the slower train and adding to the faster train or by adding weight to the cars of the faster train. This condition can also be remedied by advancing the fiber track pins of the insulated section of track in the direction of travel.
OK, now I will describe the layout. Picture an oval layout. Counter clockwise travel. A fiber pin in the outside (base) rail where the straight section starts and ends from the curve, on the side away from the transformer hook up
Jim,
Sounds like I need this book! What does a 26672 track trip look like is that a K line part, is it similar to the 697 talking station track trip or is it like the semaphore track trip? I take it the 690 is the single side contactor trip. Right now I am powering the layout with a single controller of the 4 available on an ole ZW. I looked at blocking sections off and running wires to toggle back and forth but this would take too much time (the ‘dog bone’ is 60 ft long). the lionel pressure clips never work, and I know from early articles there is a simple set up with the 758A semaphore man, or the regular semaphore that will work…sure would be nice to see that scaned image…the only semaphore man instructions for wiring I have is for a manual stop with the button, thus my daughters tend to stop the slow one until the faster one hits it from behind.
The book is invaluable. You see them on ebay for around $30, or on Amazon. I have access to a scanner at work but I’m off till next Thursday. If you can wait till then I scan and send it then.
Jim