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is it at all possible to run two trains on the same track using a ZW transformer? With no problems? Been reading old posts with lots of things I don’t understand! I have the 3 rail track n switchers, but not sure if I would need anything else! 

Feedback would be appreciated! 

Thanks, Jibbs the newbie.

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Can do with 2 different LionChief Plus engines in remote mode using 2 remotes or the universal remote.

Conventionally, can do using block wiring and fiber pins and having properly phased transformers. However, it makes me a little anxious to run 2 trains on the same main line track , so I opted for 2 interconnected and independently powered main lines. 20181127_081454

Fiber pins are in the usual places in these 022 switches plus there are fiber pins where the switches meet between the outer loop (main line on top) and the inner loop (main line on bottom). I use an MTH Z4000 transformer in which the left throttle controls the inner loop and the right throttle controls the outer loop. 

Trains have plenty of power and run smoothly between the inner and outer loop. Set the throttles so the train goes at approximately the same speed between the inner and outer loops.

I also use fiber pins, Atlas switch controls and a ZW transformer to independently power 8 sidings on my layout. This enables me to park a locomotives on each siding while running other engines on my 2 main lines. ZW must be properly phased with the MTH Z4000.

This arrangement enables me to run 2 independently powered trains (one train on each loop) or one train from one loop to the other loop, while other locomotives are parked on the sidings. Arnold

 

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What ROMILLER49 says if you are into that.

I ran two trains traditionally on a multi return looped layout on three tables.  one track power right side ZW  one electric ( GG1 or EP 5) from over head  (pantograph pick up) power left side ZW.

it was a challenge to keep an eye on both engines, but a lot of fun.  I did it on the last layout, I may do it again on the rebuild. It was really straight forward operation. Without complex issues.  

 

 

 

Karl Reichenbach posted:

I run 4 trains on the same track using conventional control with power blocks and 5 postwar ZW's.  Of course the loop is over 900' long.  Engines are Williams.  Right now for my Christmas Open House 3 of the trains have 2 lashed up Williams engines.  The biggest problem is watching all 4.

"Of course the loop is over 900' long." Now that is just plain cheating!

Jibbs posted:

Thank you all so much for your knowledge n input!when I get done I will post pics or videos of it! You guys are great to help me out! 

The help may have been even more precise, but you left possiblities wide open by not being more specific on which type of train (new or old, with pantigraph or without (lol.. the GG-1/electrics can do that though), etc etc)

Every one of Gramps big loops was split into at least two blocks, each half on 1 ZW handle.

  At other times, 4 blocks on two throttles, the last block of each handle also had a relay with a resitor. Block 1b being occupied caused the 1a relay to insert the resitor, slowing 1a greatly until 1b cleared.  Then 2a slowed 1b till 2a cleared, etc, etc.  ....a fast train got slowed automatically..   You could reduce the amount of low volt insertions as much as you desire, but each tends to lead to fluid operation imo. (still takes "balancing" of throttles. To ensure 100% anti colision, each slowable block must also contain a " temporary dead section" in case the amount slowed doesn't actually slow enough for the first train to clear its block in time.

Today I would use diodes in a voltage drop circuit, not resistors.

Despite what folks generally call them, Lionel included, a "turnout" is the correct track term, "switches" are slang. A switch is actually an electrical part, like a "toggle switch", so most times "turnout" is the better choice anyhow imo. (catching this now, before bad habit forms puts you in the wise )

Switches also require some special consideration in placement.

My comments were based on 2 trains on one loop. Two loops connected by turnouts, one loop on each handle would require only slightly different placement of isolation pins.  (you actually have four throttles, but I dont count the little ones usually, but they can be used)

Leroof posted:

What ROMILLER49 says if you are into that.

I ran two trains traditionally on a multi return looped layout on three tables.  one track power right side ZW  one electric ( GG1 or EP 5) from over head  (pantograph pick up) power left side ZW.

it was a challenge to keep an eye on both engines, but a lot of fun.  I did it on the last layout, I may do it again on the rebuild. It was really straight forward operation. Without complex issues.  

 

 

 

Leroof, your reply reminds me that I have found it to be fun to run a train and the Postwar #60 trolley on the same track.

The trolley saunters along and can be positioned to avoid colliding with the train, but you still need to keep your wits about you.

Adriatic posted:
Jibbs posted:

Thank you all so much for your knowledge n input!when I get done I will post pics or videos of it! You guys are great to help me out! 

The help may have been even more precise, but you left possiblities wide open by not being more specific on which type of train (new or old, with pantigraph or without (lol.. the GG-1/electrics can do that though), etc etc)

Every one of Gramps big loops was split into at least two blocks, each half on 1 ZW handle.

  At other times, 4 blocks on two throttles, the last block of each handle also had a relay with a resitor. Block 1b being occupied caused the 1a relay to insert the resitor, slowing 1a greatly until 1b cleared.  Then 2a slowed 1b till 2a cleared, etc, etc.  ....a fast train got slowed automatically..   You could reduce the amount of low volt insertions as much as you desire, but each tends to lead to fluid operation imo. (still takes "balancing" of throttles. To ensure 100% anti colision, each slowable block must also contain a " temporary dead section" in case the amount slowed doesn't actually slow enough for the first train to clear its block in time.

Great reply, Adriatic. Sounds like your grandfather built an advanced layout with numerous blocks properly wired with switch controls so multiple trains could be run without collisions.

I had a very good book that explained this block system. The title was something like Building an Advanced Layout. Unfortunately. I can't find it.  I may have lent it to someone over 10 years ago and never got it back.

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