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Hi There!

I am currently working on my 8 by 12 layout with two loops connected by switches, and I want to be able to run two separate trains with my MTH Z4000. My problem is, I don't know how to wire the lines separately so that I can still run the trains from loop to loop. I am using Fastrack with 072 and 064 curves and 064 switches leading to the inner loop. If anyone could point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Troy

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Short answer:

 

First, place a insulated pin in the center rail between the crossovers to separate the power districts[loops].

 

Second extend wire runs from the one throttle's binding posts[Hot "A" and Commom "U"] to the outer loop center[Hot] and outer rail[comm].......

 

Then, extend a similar wire run from the other throttle's posts to the inner loop....

 

When an engine is crossing the crossover try to approximately equalize the voltage on the two throttles since one locomotive pickup roller will be in the trailing district and the other in the leading district. If running in Command it is not necessary since both districts are at a fixed 18 VAC.

 

Where in N.C.?

 

 

Last edited by Dewey Trogdon

Thanks John,

I didn't think there was much I could do with the track itself. So the remote switches come with the section with the wire, correct? I will remove it and hope for the best! My layout was nearly complete last year, but a catastrophic scenery faliure caused the "Layout Restoration Project" to be put into play. I will let you know how it goes. Thanks,

Troy

 

Thank you, jmiller320. these are very versatile. They can be anything from a terminal buss, a split terminal buss, a 10 position terminal block. Close to the same price for an open style terminal block. The connectors on this model don't require spade terminals. that helps reduce the overall cost.
 
Again, nice find, good tip!
 
 
Originally Posted by jmiller320:

I found these at this company.  http://www.alliedelec.com/sear...il.aspx?SKU=70078316  I purchased the jumper and can connect on supply line and have 19 lines coming out.  The CMB4 Terminal block can be assembled to any length you need.  The jumpers are a little tricky to install, but I figured out how to do it quickly.  CMB4-10 $6.55  10 slot Jumper $2.29.  I bought ten of each.

 

Troy

It appears that you already have an 8-position Radio Shack Terminal Strip[T-strip, or barrier strip]. If so, go buy another T-strip and a pair of 8-position plate jumpers. One strip will be used for Hot wire distribution and the other for Common.

 

With hacksaw or tin snips cut one of the jumpers in half, you now have two 4-position jumpers. Place both 4-position cut jumpers on the 8-position Hot T-strip under the screw heads making certain the cut jumpers do not touch each other. Connect a wire run Hot conductor from one throttle binding post["A"]to under a screw head of one of the 4-position jumpered strips. Do the same for a Hot wire to the other 4-position strip, fed from throttle["D"].

 

You now have 8 energized Hot screws on each of the 4-position jumpered strips fed from the two separate throttles, available to feed multiple locations on each separate track loop, either direct to center rail [or switched at toggles if desired].

 

With the second 8-position T-strip and 8-position plate jumper simply install the jumper as is and connect a wire run from any transformer Common [U"] post to any screw head on the 8-position strip. You have now created a "Layout Common Distribution Strip" wherein any of the 16 screw heads provides connection for a Common feed direct to the outer rails on each of the separate loops. 

 

Hope this helps.

 

PS:

For example, a 6-position jumpered strip shown below with two 3-position cut jumpers dividing it. This particular one separates the Hot and Common from a PowerHouse transformer on the same 6-position strip for further distribution. 5 Hot and Common screw heads available on each jumpered side. The "thing" wired between the Hot[green screw head] and Common is a TVS[transient voltage supressor]-----ignore for now but need to consider later. 

 

 

IMG_2072

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Last edited by Dewey Trogdon

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