Multiple Power Packs?

[BNSF4ever]

You might file this under stupid questions but I have received a few Walthers Trainline sets with the MRC Railpower 1300 power packs. My layout is going to be a simple pattern with three ovals and some turnouts to connect the ovals. I'm not ready for DCC at this point so is there anything stopping me from connecting multiple power packs to the loops providing I insulate certain sections?

[Paul W. Beverung]

Hi BNSF. Happy to see you here. What you are talking about doing used to be the standard in the hobby. It's called block control. There are several books out on the subject of wiring. I'm sorry but I can't think of the names of hand. One is from Kalmbach and is usually advertised in Model Railroader. The easest way is to wire the two packs to a double pole double throw toggle switch. This gives you the choice of ether pack or turning the block off. I'd have a hard time explaining it to you here, so I 'd suggest that you try and get one of the books. If you'd like to contact me by E-mail I'll try and explain it better.

Paul

the Duluth, Superior, & Southeastern

" The Superior Route "

[willy6]

[#ditto]Exactly right, i run two cabs and have insulated blocks no to exceed 4 ft. of travel. And i use DPDT toggle switches to commit blocks and activate an LED indicating which blocks are controlled by which cab and /or are active. and they are wired with the same polarity for for cross block operation.