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Hi all, I am having some difficulty getting the common rai wiring scheme on our N scale layout working correctly. I should start by noting that I have two MRC controllers connected to the system. One is a Tech II Locomotion 1500, the other a Tech 4 Rail Power 350. Also connected to the Tech II is an Elec Trak Clean electric cleaning system for the rails. Blocks are set and controlled using SPDT center-off toggle switches. The problem is arising (I think) with the common rail that we have used forever when wiring our layouts. I have both controllers connected to the common rail feeder that runs the length of the layout in a single direction (it does not loop). The problem is this: When I have both controllers connected and running different blocks, I seem to be getting some interference between controllers and the running locomotives. When the two controllers are operating in the same direction, the power appears to be amplified to the rails and when they are working in opposite directions, both trains seem to slow down, if not completely stop. Do I have something incorrectly set up with my system, or am I breaking some basic rules by using only SPDT toggles and the common rail (it seems like the costly and time-consuming conversion to DPDT toggles would solve the problem)? I appreciate greatly any help or input I can get and I thank you for taking the time to read through my mess. joel.
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