Is it possible to link 2 transformers to one very long loop of track for more voltage? Electricity confounds me, help!
Actually, the number of power packs (what you're calling transformers) you'll need depends on how many trains you want to run at the same time. For a long loop or tangent run, what you need are multiple power feed points (terminal tracks) connected from the same power power pack. Most of us, long ago, have learned not to depend on rail joiners for electrical continuity, over time, they'll loosen, corrode, and become unreliable in that respect.
For multiple train operation from more than one power pack, you're getting into what is known as Block Control, fairly simple, but it includes the installation of insulated rail joiners. Many good books are published on this topic if you're interested.
Don't try this at home. If you inadvertently switch the two power packs to run in different directions you will create an electrical short circuit that could prove to be dangerous. Two transformers connected in parallel will not increase the voltage, but will increase the Amperage.
The LION just used a BIGGER power source. 15 Amps of 12v regulated DC power. Him used 14 gauge wire to bring the power to the tracks in many places. Actually the LION connected the negative lead to GROUND, and only the positive lead needs to be routed around the layout. The LEFT rail is connected to ground, and RIGHT rail is connected to the power conductor. This is a nice solution, but of course the trains can ONLY run forwards, they cannot run backwards. This is ok on my layout because I model SUBWAY trains, and they are not allowed to go backwards anyway since the following train is only a few seconds behind anyway.
BTW: Gaps and resistors slow and stop the trains for the stations, a time clock releases the train to move to the next station. The LION runs the railroad from the interlocking tower, the trains run by themselves. At present there are 8 trains running at one time, when I can afford to do so, I will increase this to 12 trains.
For auxiliary power, the LION uses TWO identical 5 Amp transformers, and two identical 10 Amp full wave rectifiers. The (+) of the first is connected to the (-) of the second and these are connected to ground. This leaves me with (-) from the first and (+) from the second with 12 volts to ground or 24 volts across the two. ONE conductor is designated as GREEN, and all of the Tortoise switch machines use this conductor to drive the machine to the normal position. The other conductor is designated as RED and when connected to the machine would drive it to the revers position. All auxiliary lighting is also connected to the red circuit.
LIONS like to keep things simple!
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
maxbudtrains Is it possible to link 2 transformers to one very long loop of track for more voltage? Electricity confounds me, help!
Not a good idea !
What is it you are trying to accomplish?
Why do you feel that you need more voltage?
Rich
Alton Junction
More Voltage? No. More CONTROL... Is that the issue?
Those of us old enough to remember the days of CAB Control recall the use of one or more transformers. I have seen diagrams where one output lead from each transformer were tied together and connected to the common rail. The other rail was connected to a selector switch that allowed a certain transformer to control a certain length of track.
The LION never built his cab controls this way, him always using more wires and double pole switches to select the power supply. Actually the LION had a six gang button arrangement for each block that would select on of six transformers. This system is gone, gone, gone! As talented as the LION is, he still has only one head, and can really only control one train at a time and so the point is moot.
ROAR