Heres A Real Dumb Question

[tex702]

     I have a O Guage layout five 4 x 8 sheets of plywood.  I have a mainline on four sheets and am building a train yard on the fifth one.  My question (and please dont laugh) how do you run more than one train at a time on the same line or is it even possible?  If you have two trains running at the same time on the same track wont they operate as one unit?  I told you this was a real dumb question.   Thanks

[Anonymous]

A couple of options:

1.  Isolate sections of the track into "blocks" so you can have more than one train (each controlled by its own power source) operating on the  same track.

2. Take the far easier way out and invest in a command control system (DCS or TMCC) which will allow you to control two or more trains on the same track without all the fuss and wiring involved in a block system.

[traindaddy1]

Wow! Wish I had your space! I agree with Allan. If you go the "Block" route and run into trouble setting up the system, don't hesitate to ask another "Not Dumb" question. Good luck.

[Deputy]

tex: Mine's gonna be almost as big...just 4 sheets of 4 X 8. Sounds like a nice roomy layout

What Allan said as far as running multiple trains. MTH DCS or Lionel TMCC is the easiest way to go. I'm going DCS with mine...just personal preference. You can read about the Digital Command System here:

http://www.protosound2.com/

Click on "What is PS2 to the left of your screen.

Dep

[RR Redneck]

Lionel TrainMaster Command Control is the best way to go.

[jkerklo]

"Block Control" is a technique for controlling trains using interruptions to center rail power.  The engines don't need any special electronics and a layout can run multiple trains without operator attention.  Systems like TMCC and DCS require close attention to run multiple trains on the same track.

 

See here for a tutorial on block control:

http://www.three-rail.com/3RBCTL.HTM 

 

See here for the K 'n G Railplex, an example of an automatic block control layout:  

http://www.three-rail.com/3RKNG.HTM 

 

Feel free to e-mail me at [e-mail] if you have any questions.

 

JK

 

 

 

[jimhaleyscomet]

Command control is the easiest and most expesive way to run multiple trains on one track.

 Block control requires additional wiring and insulators between blocks.   However block control works with any conventional engine (especially if it can be locked into forward).  Block control can be a lot more "hands on" fun.  

 I do a little of both.

 Jim H 

[lionelsoni]

On page 83 of the current (January) issue of CTT, there is an article by Neil Besougloff on how to wire a block system.  It has some errors and omissions, but with a little explanation of them, might be useful to you.

For some reason, he says to use "double-throw double-pole" switches.  (These are normally called "double-pole double-throw" or "DPDT".)  He shows DPDT switches in the diagram, but with only one side wired up.  This is equivalent to "single-pole double-throw" or SPDT, which is what you should look for.  Actually I strongly recommend that you get SPDT center-off switches, to allow you to shut off a block entirely, freeing its transformer up for use elsewhere on your layout.

The transformers are shown with two terminals, marked A and U, with U connected to the outside rails.  Whether this is right depends very much on what transformer(s) you have.  If you can tell us that, and whether you are using or intend to use any track-activated accessories, we can sort out which terminals to connect where.

One thing which you should avoid in a block system is running between blocks powered by different transformers or, especially, by different outputs of a multi-train transformer.  This can be dangerous.  The proper way to transfer a train between transformers is to throw the SPDT switch for the block that it's in.  With decent switches, you can even do this while it is moving.

You will get advice to "phase" the transformers.  This is desirable to reduce the risk if you do accidentally run between blocks, but should not be considered to make it okay to do so.  It is a matter of plugging the transformers in so that the difference between their outputs is minimized.  (It has no particular value for multiple transformers used for accessories.)

[Anonymous]

  Yep -- comes down to what type engines you'll be using . If they're not all digital then pull out the rolls of wire . It's not dumb I learn a bit on here everyday ! My wife is starting to feel like a train widow . Of course her hobby is baby dolls ! YUCK ! Seems she can put them anywhere she wants ---- but not my engines --- OH NO !

[wrmcclellan]

I recommend any DPDT or SPDT switches one buys should be rated for 10 amps.

[Anonymous]

For a layout as big as yours, I can see the logic of TMCC, etc. I have a block system on my new layout but it is only 9X6. There are two main loops of track each with reverse loops and passing sidings as well as a small yard, so blocks work fine. It is true that blocks make multiple train operation of conventional engines easy and fun; if you collect postwar they are a must. Also, it is not at all a dumb question, but a very good one. As a neophyte myself, I think there are no dumb questions - except, of course, mine.