Driving 2 locos at the same time

[Anonymous]

Does anyone know how to opporate two locos differently on the same track? Because when I do it (do I need another power pack????) they run at the same time. Please help!!!!!!!!![:0]

[cacole]

The only way you can do this is to have Digital Command Control, which allows you to run multiple trains on the same track, at different speeds.

[Anonymous]

Yes you can do this but it requires the use of Dcc system with decoders if you want
to operate locomotives indepent of each other then i suggest you look into it via hobby shop or your fellow modelers can be of help there but be warned it can be expensive and rather complicated which is why i have not be converted yet

hope this helps ya

Regards
Larry

[dehusman]

Either that or a block system. You put "insulated rail joiners" in the track to divide it into segments. then you connect the rails in each segment to a switch that turns on or off the power in each segment. If you want to run two trains at the same time , you will need two power packs and double throw switches.

Go to your local library or hobby shop and look for books on beginning wiring for model railroads. It will give you more details.

The down side of a block system is that you have to keep throwing the block switches ahead of the train, which can be a pain, especially on a small layout.

The answer is DCC (or some other command control) where you put a decoder (electronic circuit board $16-30) in each locomotive and then use a walk around or radio handheld controller/throttle to run the locomotives completely independently of each other. Every engine can be on the same track as any other engine. The downside is that the initial investment is pretty steep ($150-380 for the command station, $254 for a power supply and additional throttles $100 each.)

[Anonymous]

The Digitrax Zephyr set contains everything you need, except a decoder in the engine, I believe, and can be had for under $200US if you look around. It also features a port so you can use your existing power pack as a throttle.

By the time you wire your layout in blocks, and buy all those double throw switches, two (or more) decent power packs, you might as well get the DCC stuff.

The smaller your layout, the more you will appreciate the DCC.

Andrew