Can I run 2 trains on same track?

ive never tryed to run to trains independent

of each other, but I have double headed them

several times.

I have even run 3 locomotives in the same

consist. great pulling power.

This & much easier wiring is what pushed me to TMCC & later Legacy control system.  Not to mention other benefits.  Just a thought, I realize you're conventional but sometimes starting out with some used TMCC gear & locos might be affordable today.

I know I have several loco I haven't run that aren't worth much more than new conventional entry locos.  If I wasn't too lazy to pack & ship, I'd put them up for sale.

I remember the first time I had a NYC GP chasing and old converted K Line Hudson (all off ebay at top prices of the time.  Flipping back and forth, whistle, bells... Then they all sit waiting to to be addressed.  No dead zones or powering up sections. 

Good luck, have fun, John  

I did a trick last year on a large Tracker layout, running two conventional trains on the same loop at the same time. One was the 1978 Blue Comet, the other the LCCA D&RGW Pacific on a freight. The D&RGW freight was the faster of the two. I locked out the e-unit on the Blue Comet but left the D&RGW in sequencing mode. So, when the freight would get too close to the Blue Comet, I'd flick the direction switch, stopping the freight in neutral. When sufficient distance was restored, two more quick flicks got it moving forward again. It worked OK in part due to the large size of the layout, but it is not something I'd want to do as standard operation.  I second the vote for TMCC/Legacy.

B&OBill

Bandor, that's sounds clever. You burned up a few brain cells on that one!

Woojr, my banker (aka, wife) says, "No more expense trains until we save enough for our cruise to the Caribbean next March."

I did look at the relay/switch arrangement at one time.  I found it intriguing because in some ways it replicates a prototypical block setup, and that in itself gave it merit, I felt.

Ultimately, I went with DCS to deal with the two-trains-on-one-loop scenario, but now I have reverted to running traditional and find that one train on each of the four loops on the layout provide enough trains at one time for my brain's computational power to keep up with.  

I do like B&O's idea, there's an elegance to it that trumps the fancier electronics.

I do it this way,described here. Only 1 train runs at a time. A plus when competing sound systems just become noise. I also add a soft start and soft start system with more relays and timers.

www.jcstudiosinc.com/BlogShowT...=612&categoryId=

As far as the method linked in the original post,there is no need at all for infrared detectors in 3 rail. The outside insulated rail method is cheaper and more reliable. 2 or more trains can be run in command but collision avoidance requires attendance by the operator and is not automatic. The above circuit will work with any train of any era that can be locked in forward and does not require operator attention.

Dale H

I would recommend TCCC, Legacy or DCS if you want to spend the money. You can then run whatevr way you want. I often run for or 6 trains with fair size consists at once using both Legacy And DCS. The wiring is also much easier with thesed. IMHO.

I agree, Jeff.  Dale makes a good point though:  all that money and setup time for command control, and it's still not collision proof,  whereas running traditional with relay-controlled blocks, is.  If you've got enough engineers with remotes keeping track of their trains it's okay, but for demonstration running without constant attention, the block setup wins hands down.

I found this video showing the trains I described in operation. It is about 5 minutes, made by my son mounting his helmet cam on a long freight on the outside loop. There are two inner loops, and one of them has The Blue Comet and the D&RGW freight, both running under conventional control.

Posting just in case anyone wants to see the operation.

B&OBill