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I'm running MTH realtrax around the ceiling of two rooms in my house. I have 4 switches to link the two rooms together. I'm hoping someone can give some advice on how to wire the switches and the track so I can run each room individually (possibly with two trains) or be able to run both rooms as one loop (with only 1 train). Any help, tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated.

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I assume you are running conventional.

Isolate the center rail of the connector tracks that go through the wall from the center rail of the loops.  Use three single pole double throw switches. One for each loop and one for the connector tracks that go through the wall.  Connect the center posts of the SPDT switches one for each loop and one for the connector tracks.  Connect the end terminals of the SPTD switches to the desired throttle control.

As for the turnout switches, since they will all be switched either to the main or the diverging direction, you can wire them all to the same control switch.

What transformer are you using and how are you powering the layout ?

Maybe I'm missing something but, assuming you are powering the entire layout as one loop, I'm not sure why you can't run trains in each room individually just by closing the switches and run both rooms as one big loop by keeping them open ?

Otherwise, it seems like integrating toggle switches into the layout to supply or cut power would be the way to go.

@Richie C. posted:

Maybe I'm missing something but, assuming you are powering the entire layout as one loop, I'm not sure why you can't run trains in each room individually just by closing the switches and run both rooms as one big loop by keeping them open ?

That would work if both engines go about the same speed for a given throttle setting and they are set to go only forward.  But if the engines go vastly different speeds for a given throttle setting, you could have one traveling at a moderate speed, while the other goes too fast to stay on the track.

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...2#152477234003022962

Bob

When you have a second, could you review the diagrams I posted above and see if you think I got it right. I've made other changes in plans since that cause my wife and son are really getting into this. I'm going to have to add another siding and go to a third room now cause my wife wants one now too for a train she ordered, I might end up tying that in with the rest of the rooms. At least if I have this part right then I'll know how to keep adding to it. I greatly appreciate the help.

Jayson

Here’s what I would do.  Note that I added SPST ON/OFF switches for the sidings.  Also note that I made your new siding double ended.  I don’t show the neutral/common wire.  Make sure your transformers are phased.  You could also eliminate the SPDT switch for the connecting track if you don’t care which transformer powers it.

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If they both have polarized plugs, they are probably OK, but if not, you need to do this check.

Connect a wire between the common terminals of the transformers.  Connect wires to the hot terminal of each transformer.  Plug the transformers in and adjust them both to the same voltage (5 or 10 volts).  Take the wires that are connected to the hot terminals and brush the free ends together.  No spark means they are in phase. If you get a spark, unplug one of the transformers, reverse the plug and try again.  Put a mark on the transformer plugs so the next time you plug them in they will be phased.

Last edited by Lehigh74

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