Newby

[Kyler2017]

Hi Railroader’s

Before I get in any more over my head I bought this....

LIONEL LINES O SCALE 1113WS 6-11910  for my eight-year-old son as a starter. I also have a Soo Line engine and cars to go with it.

I am considering buying a Lionel fast track layout 8’ x 8’ in lieu of the tubular track. 

I would like to upgrade the transformer to run the 2 trains and add a crossing arm.  Can 2 trains be run off the same transformer or do I need to have separate transformers for each?  

Any recommendations suggestions and preferred products would be greatly appreciated so that on Christmas day he will be rolling.

[Michael6268]

You can't run two trains on the same track. Not with a transformer alone anyways. As far as running two separate loops with one transformer. Depending on how big the transformer is, you could wire both of them to the transformer but they would both run at the same speed and not be able to be controlled independently.  A transformer with two throttles of course could run both trains on separate tracks.  There are primitive ways with relays and insulated track sections, and/or block sections that you can run trains in a start-stop method on the same track. And you can also do it with TMCC or Legacy systems or Dcs.

[BigAl 956]

First thought that comes to mind is the track is going to cost more than the train. 

 

Hard to run multiple trains on the same track unless they are the newer Lionchief type that you can control seperatly with remote control. Older transformer controlled trains need about 80 watts apiece to operate. The starter transformer that came with your set is probably just enough power to control 1 train.

Here are a couple of suggestions:

• Upgrade to a new transformer with more oomph. A nicely reconditioned Lionel ZW will give you up to 275 watts and up to 4 seperate controls to run up to 4 indipendent circuits at once.
• Consider a layout design with multiple loops that are center rail insulated. Power each loop with its own transformer allowing you to run multiple trains
• Look at newer Lionchief sets with BlueTooth control so you can run multiple trains on the same track simultaaneously.

Welcome to the hobby. Good luck.

[Firelock76]

  aboard Kyler!

Since you're just starting out my advice would be to keep things as simple as possible. There's nothing wrong with old-style Lionel tubular track aside from it's non-prototypical appearance.  If you're going to do carpet running and you can afford it I'd say go with the Fastrack or MTH Realtrax, it's a lot cleaner that way.

God have mercy on you if you get oil or grease stains on the wifes carpet!

Also, if you want to run two trains run two loops, it's a lot simpler that way.  You could get a second transformer for the other loop, or go with a Lionel KW, there's quite a few around and they're usually pretty reasonable.

If these are going to be under the Christmas tree runners you'll be glad you kept it simple.  For now at least.

[Penny Trains]

aboard!  Have Fun!    That's the only rule! 

[Kyler2017]

Thank you Michael. 2 tracks with separate transformer. 

[Kyler2017]

Thank you BigAl and FireLock. 

 So if I’m understanding correctly multiple tracks require separate  Transformers or transformers that are equipped to handle two tracks.  

[8ntruck]

Welcome to the forum.

The transformer that came with the set is a small one - 3 amp, 40 watts.  It will run the train and maybe an accessory.

To run another train on a second loop of track you will need either a second transformer or a transformer with multiple throttle controls.  

The postwar KW is set up with two throttles, while the ZW is set up with two throttle controls and two more variable voltage controls that can also be used for throttle controls.  These are common items on the used market.  If you are uncomfortable working on electrical devices, look for a transformer that has been re-conditioned.

The more modern CW-80 transformers would also be a good choice.  They are also common on the used market.  This transformer is set up with a single throttle control, and an auxilary voltage output that can be programmed.  With the transformer that came with your set and a CW-80, you could control two trains on seperate tracks.  The CW-80 transformer will run a locomotive that has two motors and three or four lighted passenger cars.  Adding a smoke unit to this combination will cause the CW-80's overload protection to trip.

Good luck & have fun.

[BigAl 956]

Kyler2017

So if I’m understanding correctly multiple tracks require separate  Transformers or transformers that are equipped to handle two tracks.  

Older sets for over a century used what is commonly referred to as 'convetional' control. You have a transformer with a handle that raises voltage to the track up and down. The more voltage you give the train the faster it goes. If you have 2 trains on the same track and your transformerer has enough watts they both will go faster and slower as you adjust the control handle.

The problem is no 2 trains run the same. Inevidably if you are running 2 trains off the same control, even if you do have enough watts, one train will go a bit faster and catch up to the the other. (Think 2 Chicago CTA busses showing up together after a long wait on a cold morning)

For about a century you needed to isolate the power blocks with seperate transformers. This means you keep the outer rails of the layout common and throw in insulating pins on the center rails so you can connect different phased transformers allowing you to adjust each power track as required without worrying about one train catching up to the other. Lionel and other companies have made multiple lever transformers like the ZW and KW that allow you to control 4 or 2 seperate tracks at a time.

In rcent years Lionel has come out with TMCC, Legacy, and Lionchief control systems. This eliminates the need to have Isolated block because you just have to have 18v on the track all the time. The control of the train is done by a circuit board inside the train and instead of varying the track power up and down you have a remote control that talks directly to the train to tell it how fast to go.

With modern engines you can have as many trains on the track as your transformer wattage and wiring will allow as long as you have a remote for each one. This however will not help you as your set is of the older conventional generation and you will need to run it on it's own isolated track with it's own transformer control.

You can get creative with this and many have in this hobby over the past century. But you are a self described newby and plan on crawling before you walk.

Good luck, and welcome.