simple wiring question

[Anonymous]

I am very new at model railroading but wi***o do a good size layout. My question is how do you make two trains run at the same time on a track that is an oval, with a smaller oval in the center connected by two remote control switches. Can these trains run in opposite directions, and can one controller run them both? Wouldn't the electric interfere with the two of them. please hellp.

[cacole]

You've asked a simple electrical question, but unfortunately the answer is not so simple.

There are a couple of options available to you.

First, in order for the trains to run in opposite directions on the two loops, the wiring to one loop must be exactly the opposite polarity of the other loop; i.e., if you are using red and black wires, for example, on one loop the red wire would connect to the outer rail, and to the inner rail on the other loop. Trains would then run in opposite directions. But this would create a short circuit if you tried to cross a train from one loop to the other.

If you wire both loops so there is no short between them, then the trains on both loops must be running in the same direction. In this case, the red wire would be connected to the inner rail on both loops to make the trains run in a clockwise direction, or to the outer rail for counter-clockwise movement.

The basic rule is that the train will go forward when the red wire is connected to the locomotive's right-hand side, provided you have the wires connected correctly at the power pack. If the train doesn't run forward, reverse the direction switch on your power pack or reverse the wires on the power pack's terminals.

[BR60103]

If you are using the trainset switches, there will be a continuous circuit over both ovals. If you connect a powerpack to each oval. you will get problems when one is reversed. So you put insulated (plastic) rail joiners between the switches. Now you can run two trains any direction you want.
You now have a problem crossing between the ovals. (might as well not have the switches!) Need to put other train someplace while you cross over.
See if you can get a look at (or buy) an Atlas wiring book. Or a Kalmbach (Model railroader) wiring book.