The plain track power might seem good because of the price but in the end, there is a good chance you would be happier with some kind of battery powered control or DCC. Check out all your options before you choose, though. Just my
Two trains on the same track, running independently of each other will require one of two solutions. First, and the most basic, is some kind of block control. This is where the railroad is divided up into independent sections (blocks), and each section is powered by multiple power supplies, which one to be determined by a toggle switch for each block. This is fairly easy, and any book on model railroad wiring will have diagrams showing you how to set that up. You've already got two power supplies, so you're in good shape there. Your "cost" would be insulated rail joints to isolate each block from the next, and the extra wires and switches you'll need to set up the block controls.
The second choice, which is becoming more and more common, is to use some kind of command control system, either DCC (an open-source standard) or one of the "proprietary" systems from other manufacturers. For my money, if you're going track power, stick with the DCC stuff. It's got a bit of a learning curve at the start, but it gets easier as time progresses. In this kind of system, the track always has full power to it. The control for the speed and direction is in each individual locomotive (or set of locomotives in your case). The advantage of DCC is that you don't need any special wiring as you would with a block system. It's much simpler to wire. The disadvantage is that you've got to go into each locomotive to install the decoder between the track inputs and the motor. Since you've got to do this on each locomotive, and some of the decoders can get a bit pricey, it's not the cheapest option. But you'll be able to control both locomotives from the same controller (often a walk-around type controller) and not have to worry about throwing toggle switches to route power or any of that stuff. There are lots of books on DCC as well to get you started. I'd definitely recommend getting a book on the subject to start.
The "proprietary" systems (Aristo's "Revolution," Keithco's "Locolink," etc. all work on the same principle. Most are designed for battery power applications, but can work on track power. I think, however, that if you're going to go track power, then the DCC systems will be more cost effective.
Later,
K
This is my 2nd post. My 1st one has been answered and it solved my problem. I for one am very thankful to have this type of help and support.
So here is my next problem.
I run 2 sets of G Scale Aristo FA's and B's. NYC has 3 engines and SF has 2. I would like to run them on the same line but independent of each other. I have 2 power options. A 10amp MRC transformer which I use with the Aristo TE 10amp RC. And a Bridgewerks Mag15 Transformer with a UR15 RC. Of the two I would rather use the BWerks. The question is how can I do that?
PS: I do not have deep pockets.
Thank you
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