After reading the post from ACDX Rob it occures to me that there may be some misunderstanding of what we are talking about when we talk about paralleling transformers. The instructions Rob posted describe phasing two transformers connected to ADJACENT blocks that are otherwise insulated from each other. Now as some have pointed out that during the brief time an engine or lighted car is bridging the joint the transformers are indeed paralleled. There have been many post on this and other forums about the dangers of burned wires and other problems caused by this condition if the two transformers are not close in voltage. This is a condition to be avoided if possible but this is almost inpossible on any large layout. When it cannot be avoided it must be delt with and mitigated as much as possible. In any case it is a momentary case.
What we are talking about is the perminent connecting of two transformers in parallel before they are connected to the track. This is done on the assumption that the outputs of both will add together giving the power of both to the track. Now the reality, It has been a long time since I attempted to get this deep in theory so I apologize if not exactly correct but it is close. Each transformer will act as a point source of voltage. Lets say that one puts out 10 volts and another 12 volts. When connected in parallel there will be a difference of 2 volts between them. As re result of this you will have a current from the 12 volt source to the 10 volt source. Since you used heavy wire to connect the two units the resistance will be low and this current could be quite high. If you now put a train on the track this load will affect the equation to some extent but the difference dosen't go away and you do not have trains running on the track the whole time these transformers are connected together. Now 2 volts is a big difference, let's say the difference is 2 tents of a volt (.2) and you have good wire so the resistance is one tenth of a Ohm (.1) this current is only 2 amps. That is almost enough for another engine.
Now Rob, I do not understand your addition of the comment (sic) to my reference about recomendations. Sir, the facts are facts and just because you may find them aggravating does not change them.
Al
