Making some changes

Bob SeverinOGR Forum Member

When I constructed my layout, I originally had two tables, one on each side of the room. The inner circle had an O-31 turn at one end and an O-27 turn at the other. The middle circle has O-31 turns at both ends. The outer circle has O-42 turns at both ends.

So, now for the modifications. I constructed a crossover platform at one end of the tables, and reconfigured the middle track and outer track to make a tie-in to both tables. So, with that complete (track), I need to reconfigure the wiring so that all the power drops are tied into the same transformer. Prior to the crossover, I had six separate power supplies for the room. Now, I will need only four, but the wiring needs to be reconfigured. I run strictly conventional locomotives.

My goal is to hopefully be able to run two trains on the O-42, and two on the O-31. It will take some playing around with locomotives and consists to get the speeds right so one train doesn't run the other off the track.

Any ideas on my plan and how to accomplish it? I am trying not to purchase a bunch of new stuff to accomplish this task. I know I could probably do it with LionChief stuff, but I gave up on that a few years ago. I am going to try with just using conventional.

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4/11/245:27 PM

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Mike H MottlerOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

Bob S.

Yes, that can be done via conventional mode, but ...
The locos probably can't be perfectly matched in speed, so one would always close the distance between them. Two track-based solutions to consider:

1) Install a passing siding and send the slower loco to it and park it there until the faster loco passes. Then route the slower loco back to the mainline to follow the faster loco. That's how real railroads do it.

2) Install wired "blocks" with relay sensors to pause the faster loco when gaining on the slower loco from behind. When the upfront block occupied by the slower loco is vacated, the faster loco would be started forward as the relays permit. That's a more complicated wiring job, and the e-units must be set to run in FORWARD only.

Editorial note ...
Pacing the locos hands-on in Conventional Mode requires your constant attention -- no distractions from visitors, taking a coffee break, or answering a phone call.

Just saying ...

Mike Mottler LCCA 12394

4/11/246:00 PM

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Farmall-JoeOGR Forum Member

@Mike H Mottler posted:

2) Install wired "blocks" with relay sensors to pause the faster loco when gaining on the slower loco from behind. When the upfront block occupied by the slower loco is vacated, the faster loco would be started forward as the relays permit. That's a more complicated wiring job, and the e-units must be set to run in FORWARD only.

FYI E unit control can be preserved if you use a 5 ohm, 25W rheostat to the isolated block rather than just block control that cuts power to the isolated block. The rheostat allows just enough thru to keep the e-unit from tripping...I do not know how well this setup works with digital control systems vs postwar e-units however. The wiring can be found in the "how to operate lionel trains and accessories" booklets. I found a 1953 scanned copy online thru a google search.

4/11/249:01 PM

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