Using (2) 408E's to Pull my Passenger Set

[lionel2]

Hello all, How do I use (2) 408E's to pull my 6 state cars?  Everytime I link up (2) of my 408E's and put 6 state cars behind them, apply power, my transformer goes into protection mode or short circuits.  I am using a Z-1000 by MTH and I can use a Lionel Z transformer as well.  My Z transfomer is 250 watts and has plenty of power.  Why does it not work?  I know thats 4 motors and lots of lights.  But, I can use one Z dedicated to just that train.  Let me know.  Thanks, Jeff

[lionelsoni]

Can you be clearer about which transformer is doing what?

[lionel2]

The MTH Z-1000 would just go into protection mode and I would have to reset it on the power brick.  There is a little reset switch on the power brick that I would have to reset everytime I try to run (2) 408E back to back pulling my state cars.  The Z transformer would just mess with the E-Units on the (2) 408E's causing them to go into forward, neutral or reverse.  I guess it kinda trips the E-Units and causing them to switch positions.  I have a 3 position E-Unit in my one 408E and a 2 position in my other 408E. Is that why it does not work??  Thanks, Jeff

[lionelsoni]

What do you mean by "...just mess with the E-Units..."?  Does the circuit breaker trip?

[lionel2]

Yes, the cicuit breaker does trip on both the Z and Z-1000.  I have seen people on youtube videos linking even (4) dual motored 402E's together to pull many passenger cars.  Why cannot I just link 2 of mine together.  I think I can only link 2 loco with the same E-Units.  Like two loco with 3 position E-Units locked into forward direction.  Any ideas?  Thanks, Jeff

[rtraincollector]

Try this put one on the track and then lock it into forward take it off and do the same with the other then put other back on track and try and see if they will run together that way. also if that works try adding your cars one by one as maybe somewhere you have a short and may not be your engines or it might even be one of your engines this is the only way I know to check but to be sure as you add cars run them around the loop once or so before adding another just to be sure.