2 trains, same line???

[greendiamond]

Justin:

Welcome to the hobby! The two engines running on the same track is using Digital Command Control. This relatively new aspect of train control is bringing many newer people into the hobby as it allows you to run your trains in a more realistic manner, instead of having to remember to flip electical switches on and off as you run your train. Don't be discouraged by the other gentleman's reply that Digital Command Control(DCC) is expensive. It is a common defense people try to raise against DCC. If you are going to built a train layout and plan on running two or three trains at the same time, with DC you will be needing to buy separate power packs for each train. Not so with DCC. With DCC each locomotive needs a decoder (as low as $15.00 per locomotive) and a system ( as low as $100-$125 to contol the locomotives. The reversing loop topic you inquired about needs you to set a reversing section of track that is electronically isolated (with plastic rail joiners on all four rails) hooked up to its own reversing switch. This entire process can be automated using a device in DCC for about $30.00. This is another reason some people turn to DCC. THE DREADED REVERSE LOOP!.

Let me know if I can be of any further help to you.

A biased DCC user and Dealer

Mike Tyl
Green Diamond Hobbies
[e-mail]

[gerryleone]

Hi, Justin --

You'll find that layout wiring can *appear* to be complex at first, but when you take it one wire at a time, it's not so bad.

You'll find answers to both of your questions on the National Model Railroad Association's website at www.nmra.org . Look for the portion called "Beginner's Page Project." There are a BUNCH of explanations there, including reverse loop wiring and an explanation of DCC (digital command control) that allows you to run multiple engines at once.

Another helpful resource is Kalmbach's "Wiring Your Railroad" book.

Hope that helps.

[Anonymous]

hi justin: your questions are very legitimate. you were probably watching two engines outfitted with command control. this term refers to engines that are set up to receive a code or signal just fot that particular engine,depending on what system you use this could include as many as one hundred!!. be advised that these systems are very expensive and can be somewhat complicated for a beginner. your other main question refers to a reverse loop. this is where you turn the direction of your equipment. this can also be a little confusing when applied to the diffrent systems of wiring available on todays market. my best advise is to purchase a couple of books on wiring and command control. see what you can understand and come back to forum with more questions if need be. finally,you can also purchase a book on conventional wiring this will also show you how to wire reverse loops as they apply to conventional wiring. good luck! bob

[Anonymous]

Hello, I am new to model railroading, my father and uncles were all really big in this years ago, but that presents a problem now, as all of their expertise and answers are out of date. My current question: I have seen two engines running on the same line on many layouts...how is this done, is the engine coded to respond only to a certain controller, and if so, how reliable and durable is this arrangement? Also, dealing w/electricity...how do you put a loop at the end of a main-line to turn the train and then dump it back into the main-line via a switch (turn-out) and still have it running the same direction? Hasn't the power flow to the wheels switched when the engine switched directions? What keeps it from flying into reverse as soon as it crosses the gaps in the rails and joins the mainline, or does it and this is something you compensate for? Sorry for the general nature of the questions, but better to know the answers now, then waiting until they come up during the construction of the real layout. Thanks,