Running 2 trains on a loop, using 2 transformer power posts

Do you have DCS?  How large is the loop?

The simple answer is Yes.  Be sure both loop sections are at the same voltage when the trains go through the insulated points.  Each loop section/ZW handle should have its own circuit protection to protect trains.

The rule of thumb I've always heard, and followed, is to have at least one more power section than the number of trains you plan to run on that loop.  In other words, for 2 trains on the loop, make the loop into 3 isolated power districts.  That pretty much eliminates the likelihood of having both trains on one power district at the same time.  

And of course all this depends somewhat on how big the layout loops are, and how long the trains are.

Thanks for helping,

Dale: So what is damage risk to the engines or transformer when the A and D posts are momentarily connected by the locomotives rollers? Is it a short? If the 2 posts were left connected would it cause a meltdown in the motor and or transformer?

TMack: The loop is 20' x 5'. It will be used for conventional MPC era Lionel locomotives, and possibly MTH PS2 in conventional mode only.

Susan: Thanks for your info. I checked out your site. Its full of great tips.

hojack: Yes, 3 blocks makes sense, to avoid collisions. Is that what you meant?

What we want to do is simply run two consists on this large loop. So, we thought by using similar speed consists we could slightly adjust the speeds on the fly, using the 2 isolated sections.

JohnPToronto

Yes.

Originally Posted by JohnP_Toronto:

Transformer. Possibly.  There is no breaker protection among the secondary taps on a ZW(or KW, R, Z, VW, V, SW).

Motor, no.  Associated wiring in cars/locos?  Maybe, with light wiring, in those leads that bridge the blocks.

Does this also go for the new ZW-C and ZW-L?