2 loops don't run independently

Paul R. Davis,

I'm glad that with the help of your friend the problem(s) were found and corrected. Please use this experience as a step in your learning process. You should take the time and purchase a good book on layout wiring. Our very own editor, Allan Miller wrote a good one about Lionel trains. I apologize for not having the link for it. You can find it easy on amazon.

servoguy,

You are what you are, I'm glad for you. Personally, I have owned Lionel Std Gauge Trains since, December 1947.   

would have liked to see a picture of that.

18 gauge wire is a little small for a ZW.  If you have a long run, you will be better off with 14 gauge wire.  The breaker on the ZW should be set to 10 amps and 16 gauge wire is good for 10 amps if the run is short.  

Probably this:

Originally Posted by frogvillejunctionrailroad:

Quite often I make suggestions here on the forum and MOST times I get ignored, probably because I'm not considered as one of the experts here.  No complaints or whining on my part, I understand. Probably the impression I left from asking all those dumb DCS questions

I kept checking in on this thread after my 2 comments early on because since supposedly what I offered wasn't the answer and since for the life of me couldn't think of what else it could be, wanting to learn something completely new was compelling to me.

SOMETIMES though I get it right, like when I said this on page 1:

You used the word lockonS when describing both loops.  The only thing left that I can think of is that somehow you have one lockon on one of the loops connected to the wrong post.  That is, maybe one of the outer lockons is connect to 'D' instead of 'A' or maybe one of the inner lockons is connected to 'A' instead of 'D'.