I am using a ZW to operate two mainlines on the lower level of the layout. A shorter run on the upper level is powered by a 1033. Transformers are phased and share a common ground. The postwar locomotives have magnetraction and I’m using tubular track
There is to be a 3% grade connecting the two. Trains will be running both ways on the same track. Two questions:
1. Should the transition between transformers be at the top or bottom of the grade? I’m thinking top in order to have the superior power of the ZW available for the uphill climb.
2. What do I need at the transition point? More than just an insulated center rail? If only that locomotives will have a pick up on each side at once
Well, ISTM you have several issues you may or may not choose to address:
1. First, I don't think it will matter where the transition is placed (and yes, an insulated pin in the center rail is all you'll need between the blocks, as long as the outer rails are phased, with a common ground). It's not the *power rating* of the transformer that determines the engine's speed, it's the *voltage* set by the throttle, and unless you are running your 1033 at the ragged edge of its capabilities, you shouldn't notice any appreciable difference, assuming both are set to drive a given engine at the same level speed.
2. Similarly, as long as the transformers are properly phased, a momentary bridge across the insulated pin will do no damage.
3. However, at a 3% grade, you will have a significant slowdown ascending and a significant speedup descending the slope. Using power resistors between the transformer powering the upper loop and the center rail of an isolated section encompassing the entire slope (with insulated pins at *both* ends), it is relatively easy to wire a section that will slow down your consist while descending the slope (or speed it up if the resistors are between the lower track and its transformer, with full power provided to the slope), but I know of no configuration that will do both at the same time. IOW, you can insert a power resistor between the transformer and the descending slope section to slow any descending train . . . but it will *also* slow down any *ascending* train as well, adding to the effects of gravity.
4. However, if you can provide *two* slopes, one in each direction, you can use power resistors to reduce the voltage on the descending slope, and allow full voltage on the ascending slope with reduced voltage on the higher track, and wire the ascending slope as detailed above.
5. I'm assuming for the responses above you are running conventional -- if you are instead using command control, you should be able to power up *all* the track as usual, and let the engine's speed control use what power it needs to maintain speed, with the single transition positioned anywhere on the slope.
