Multiple engines on same benchwork

[Hogjaw]

Currently have Lionel Copper Ore, engine plus 5 cars and 80W transformer.

Seems like I saw this discussed recently, but Search mode does not make anything surface! 

Is it possible to run more than 1 engine at the same time on my setup?

Also, is there a max number?

Thanks!

Hogjaw

 

[daan]

In your setup, the transformer will be the thing limiting the amount of trains you can run at once on your layout. Will be 2 or 3 given the 80 watt transformer. But, all trains travel at the same speed and when you want to switch direction on 1 locomotive, all locomotives will change direction.

Said in another way, you'll have 3 locomotives acting exactly the same, because you only have one control.

You could make some sidespurs where you can switch the power off to store you engines, you can have a few locomotives on the track at once and 1 of them is running, the rest can be switched on or off to change motive power on your train.

You could buy a second transformer and make an extra loop of track, powered by that other transformer, you can run 2 trains individually at once, because you actually have made 2 different layouts. That can be repeated endless. Also it's possible to make those tracks interchange with eachother as long as you make isolations on places where both transformer sections will meet.

Last but not least you can opt for digital control, where only the track needs to be powered and all the controls are digitally given to the locomotive. You don't need different transformer loops, but you do need locomotives with extra electronics and a reasonable power pack.

There is a lot of literature on the market which will simplify the multiple train operation with drawings and photo's and can give you even more options n how to let more trains run on your track at once.

Only if you want individual control with a normal transformer, you'll need one transformer for each train.

[jwse30]

You can run as many trains as will fit on your track at the same time barring a few problems.

The first one that comes to mind after reading your original post is that the transformer you're using won't power much more than one extra engine, if that.

If you have two "circles" of track and two transformers, and hook one transformer to one circle of track, obviously you could run two trains. This is the easiest way, and also allows trains to run at different speeds and/or directions. If you have two circles of track and only one transformer, that would work as well, but the you couldn't change the speed of only one train. When I say circle, it could be an oval, or any other configuration that would allow a train to travel continously.

If you only have one "circle" of track and the one transformer, you can still run two engines on the track, but the odds of them running at the exact same speed would be unlikely. One engine would run faster causing it to run into the caboose (or FRED) of the train in front of it. There is some fairly complex wiring involving relays that reduce the chances of that happening, but it requires a lot more track than comes with a set. Hopefully others will chime in and give references.

The max number that can be run on any layout, either by conventional (CW-80 et al) or command (TMCC) depends on the amount of watts being put out by the power supply. With your 80W transformer, you might be able to get two trains running.

Hope this helps,

 

J White

 

[phillyreading]

Don't know how true this is with the newer locomotives but in the past you had to match up the locomotives for pulling power or you can damage one of the motors or electronic boards in the newer locomotives.  If you were to run two Lionel Docksiders or two Lionel GP-9's together from the same year it would be best, I don't recommend running a Lionel and another brand engine together.

Like others have said the most you can run with an 80 watt transformer is two engines or a passenger train with about five lighted cars.

Lee F.