MAIN LINE CONGESTION STAY ALERT.

Hi Stephen, since acquiring my LC+ locos, I also have enjoyed running two trains on the same track.   Not sure if my 6X12 layout is midsize, but I run two LC+ steamers each pulling 6-7 cars on the outside circuit, and one train on the inside.  I seem to enjoy having trains following each other on the same track, its an entertaining effect, with lots of action.   I have a revised track plan that I plan to build that will accommodate two trains on each track with O-72 for the outer loop, and a third loop.   -Ken

Although I don't run two trains on the same track I am able to run four trains on four mainlines. I still have the freight yard to redo. I use both DCS and Legacy so once the freight yard is done I can run 5 trains..........................Paul

My layout is shaped somewhat like a squared off "C" with the exterior dimensions being 12' X 15'. 

I have two mainlines and normally operate a maximum six car freight train with up to two engines and caboose on the smaller of the two lines and up to a nine car freight train with three engines and caboose on the longer mainline.

If I am running a passenger train I will normally assign it to the shorter mainline.

In any event, I never have more than two trains on my layout at any one time.

Curt

I have all command control, currently on a 6'x16' layout with two main lines (hope to expand). I usually run two trains, one on each loop. I can run two trains on each loop, but it's sometimes tricky and you have to watch things. However, some do run pretty well like this and will keep their distances apart for quite a while.

 

I tried four trains on one loop a couple weeks ago, just for fun. That was a total disaster. Had them all running just fine for a time, it was when I went to stop that things got pretty ugly, wasn't near enough space between trains. Fortunately they were not going very fast.  

I normally run three trains when showing the layout to visitors by myself.  But I enjoy running seven when we operate with other train friends.  That is two on each of the mainlines, two on the upper branch line, and a switcher making up trains in the freight yard.

 

Art

I run two trains at the same time, but on separate loops. 

That's about all the mainline congestion I can handle!  LOL

My layout is a little beyond what anyone would consider "mid sized". However, it is not designed for loop running. My rule is one train per operator. I seem to have my hands full with that.

I have three separate mainlines, most of the time I'll run only two trains, but I run three when I'm just sitting and not at the workbench tinkering.

My layout is bigger then mid size (I think) But I love running two trains on each main line of my layout.It keeps my blood pumping good.Nick

I have two mainline loops and I usually run only one train on each. I often have an MU consist on the larger outer loop and it is large enough to run two small trains. I also have an elevated figure eight with a commuter train. That allows to have at least three different trains running for action when the kids are playing or visitors are over.

 

Jay in Ottawa

 

Running two trains on one track using TMCC?  Then to Ken Oscale & RockStar & others, I have a suggestion that is pretty fun.  Get a Lionel Speeder, and either chase the train that is ahead or have the train (I use a K Line Mikado and 6 Pennsy Madisons)  around the track daring to see how close you can get, and how long you can keep up.

        Or just press boost for spurts of speed for the Speeder.  My wife was doing that at Christmas and I think she is getting closer to train addition!

 

I have two main lines and have run two on each for a while but it makes me nervous rather than enjoying it.  It is easy to do with other operators though.  I usually just run one on each but have been OK with 2 and 1.  You can let the one run by itself and pay attention to the two.

.....

Dennis

My layout (12'x24') has a single track main, and it takes some serious concentration to run multiple trains. My brain can't handle more than 3 trains running on the main, and I occasionally need to use the all stop panic button on my DCS Controller.

 

 

However, I enjoy the challenge of running two passenger trains with a freight drag in between them.

 

During 2015, I will build an extension onto the left end of the layout that will provide another loop (branch) off of the main line, but still retain the exciting choke points of the single track main.

YES • I do run two trains at the same line at the same time. Lionel Odyssey Speed control is a big must on at least one of the engines.

I can remember as a kid trying to run two trains on the same track and not having any luck …..

I have a single line with passing sidings.  When alone I run two.  I set one to run my 213 foot main line and then "control" the other as I pass through areas of single line.  It's fun and challenging at times; especially if someone is distracting you.

I run 2 on the same line many times. I also have them switch the crew and caboose out having a 3rd engine on the same track.

Engine 3 on a Y siding pulls out after engine 1 drops a caboose and moves out and engine 1 stops, Engine 2 is creeping.

Engine 3 gets caboose on mainline and goes back into Y dropping caboose and picks up the new crew and new caboose heads into mainline and drops caboose. Goes back into Y.

Engine 1 now backs up and hooks up new caboose and crew. Picks up speed as does Engine 2 on same Mainline.

I've done this adding a Diner or extra Pullman on Passenger Train.

So far, never a near miss, etc. Planning speed with Engine 2 and 3 are key.

Believe me, its fun.

Man, are you kidding me…..If I tried what you just said my wife would probably have to have me committed…….. LOL     

LOL, once you try it, you'll love running on the edge. I use 2 controllers also, with finger on the "kill" switch in case engine 2 is coming up to fast. So far, never had to.