I have finished all the track installation and basic power wiring on my new layout but have run into a problem. First, the layout has 3 zones, each controlled by a separate voltage source so I can run 3 trains at once. I also want to be able to run a single train through all 3 zones.
When I want to run the same train through all 3 zones the train runs fine in zone 1. I designed the entry and exit from zone 1 to zone 2 by isolating the zones with a 1/4" separation of the center rail leading in out out of the two zones. Everything works well. A train could leave zone 1 and enter zone 2 controlled by a separate voltage source and continue on its way. I did the same thing going from zone 2 to zone 3. However, when the train goes from zone 2 to 3, there are very significant fire works.
The transformer for zones 1 and 2 is actually a single KW using sides A and B. The transformer for zone 3 is side A on a second KW transformer. Is it possible that zones 1 and 2 work well together because the voltage is being supplied by the same coil but zones 2 and 3 rebel because the voltage is coming from 2 different coils? I hope this all make sense. Incidentally, all of the outer rails in the entire layout are tied together.
Thanks for any advice you can give me.
Jim Lawson
