Running 2 trains on 2 connected loops w/ conventional power?

Are the transformers plugged in?  Have breakers tripped?

Connect stand alone track (one or two tracks) to transformer.  Test with lighted car or caboose.  If that works, connect outside track (while disconnected from inside track) to transformer and test with lighted cars.

On modern systems the red wire goes to center rail and black wire goes to outside rails.

Figured out the problem. Instead of using a ready made 5" block section I decided to make my own using a regular 5" section of FasTrack. Only problem was I didn't cut ALL the way through the center rail. There was a tiny sliver still connecting them center rail. Cut that completely and problem solved. It's always the little things...

Glad you found your answer.  I have the same " two transformer" setup.  The trains run fine but I get sparks when a train transitions from one power area to the other.  Are you getting that?  Ideas on how to correct?

Can you tell me where to find this Lionel Video. I am about to do the same setup with 2 tracks and 2 controllers. I posted a help add yesterday, but no replies yet.

Go on youtube.

Search for "Lionel transformer phase"

It will be the first video that comes up.

J Scott

First, be sure that your two transformers are in phase with one another.

[connect the commons, the U posts together, Then raise the voltage of both transformers to about 10 volts. Then momentarily touch the two Hot wires of the transformers together.

If you get a strong spark they are out of phase--weak or no spark they are phased. [spark won't hurt you at 10 volts]. If out of phase reverse one of the plugs in the wall receptacle or power strip. If your plug[s] have a wide polarizing blade, you need to purchase a 3 to 2 adapter at Lowe's, Depot, etc. File the blade or prong down to size on the adapter plug enabling reversing--saves your transformer plug and leaves it usable if 3-prong].

Second, control the voltage of the two trains on the layout to the same rate when crossing over between the power districts. It helps if you have inexpensive VAC Panel Meters[about $10 each at Light Object]. 

Of course none of this maters with Command Control at a fixed 18 volts across the layout.

Thanks Dewey,

I will check out the video.

My understanding is that with modern transformers phasing really isn't as important as modern transformers will only plug into the wall one way. 

True or not, my two transformers are independently connected to each loop and things seems to be working just fine. I don't have them connected to each other. 

I did end up breaking my Lionel Accessory controller this weekend - it fell off the table and piece that the knob attaches to snapped in half. I picked up a used MTH Z controller to go with the 100 watt brick I already own and will use that and the CW-80 to power the trains while the smaller Powermax transformer will be used for operating accessories and probably to provide constant voltage to my switches (though I loathe the idea of crawling under the table and running more wires!) I'll also be installing some RadioShack voltage meters to make for smoother transitions from one track to another. 

It is fun running the two trains in conventional mode, especially trying to time it so they switch from outer to inner. So far I haven't had any Addams Family moments. 

Phasing is important with ANY multiple transformer configuration!  While it's true that many modern transformers have polarized plugs, there have been multiple cases where some of them have been manufactured incorrectly and out of phase with other transformers.

Checking this is easy, and is certainly not a guaranteed thing.

I just fell victim to this a few days ago. I had two Z1000 bricks (both equipped with polarized plugs) that were out of phase. One was manufactured incorrectly. 

Now I am more informed (thanks to this forum) and will not make the same assumption again.

I rest my case.