Running two trains with one transformer

OK, the answer is It Depends!

BUT, If you run on 2 separate loops, 1 train per loop, just wire one transformer to each loop.

If you want to run both on the same track but only one at a time, Use the Newer Transformer and use a toggle switch to kill power to the siding where the other train is parked. Just pull the pin / connection to the siding at the switch and run power to the center rail from a toggle or such switch.

 

Alternately, remove the engine not in use, no switch and siding needed for this.

 

If you want to run both trains at once on the same track, you are going to have difficulty with conventional engines.

If can be done, start them spaced equally around the track and use the Newer transformer. Turn up the power until they both move. See which one goes faster and add another car to that train. Or add a bit of weight to the fast one. This will take a lot of trial and error.

 

Now, to really get this 2 trains on one track you need command control engines and the matching command system.

Lionel sells Legacy, MTH sells DCS. they can both work on a loop at the same time but each will not control the other's engines (MTH can control TMCC by adding a cable and a TMCC base)

 

Good Luck, Have Fun !

Thanks for that info Russell. Like the OP, I am fairly new to trains (about 5 years into it but with limited "play" time). 

 

When I want to run more than one train, I set-up separate track loops with their own power. For newbies and folks like me who only run their trains a few times a year, it works fine. But I want to get more into the hobby -- that requires time and budget.

 

I plan to upgrade to the MTH DCS system and add the TMCC Command base so I can operate both MTH DCS equipped trains and Lionel TMCC equipped trains.

 

My question is this: when running TWO separate trains on the SAME TRACK using DCS/TMCC, does the system keep the train speeds synchronized so that they do not overtake and crash into each other? Is this an automatic feature or does one have to do some sort of programming to make this work?

 

Note: I currently have only one MTH DCS engine. I have several Lionel conventional engines. I am about to have one of the Lionel engines and tender (Hogwarts Express) upgraded to TMCC using Electric RR's technology. If it works well, I will upgrade a few of my other conventional Lionel engines to Electric RR's Cruise Command system.

Running 2 trains on one loop is shown here. Since the trains only run one at a time,a 90 watt transformer is sufficient

 

http://www.jcstudiosinc.com/BlogShowThread?id=612&categoryId=426

 

Dale H

Terrence;
If both engines are command control, once they are set, they should hold speed and thus stay clear of each other. Setting a TMCC engine to run the same speed with an MTH engine takes some adjustment and observation. You definitely want the TMCC in 128 step mode.
Setting 2 PS2 or PS3 engines to run together is as simple as dialing up the same speed on the remote. Watch them the first time, some run a tad faster or slower than commanded, but seem to be consistent once you find the value to use. Most run right on speed.

dpg,

   There is also a way to set up your Conventional and DCS trains to run on the same tracks using a different engineering method, it will however take an investment into a MTH Z4k Transformer, side receiver and DCS.  Once you set this up you will never want to return to another type of control method.  After the investment you will be able to run both your Conventional and DCS trains on the same tracks via the DCS Hand Held Remote Control, its simply a way cool way to control your train layout. TMCC can also be controlled in this manner with the proper gear.

PCRR/Dave

Dave can you elaborate more on this? I have just converted to DCS, and have only one DCS/PS2 locomotive, the rest are lionel conventional. Thank You!

Terrance, I run Legacy, TMCC(ERR kit), and Proto2 engines on the same track. Even if you use all Proto2 (with the "ALL" command to start them up at the same speed) the engines may not run without the "faster" catching up to the "slower" consist. With my 40 plus Proto 2 engines all but 2 run within one smph of each other. I even have one loop that will run with 3 Proto 2 consists (1 MU, 1 double header) for more than 45 minutes without adjusting the slack between trains. My average over 17 foot loops is somewhere 10-15 minutes before I have to adjust the slack on any particular loop. As someone mentioned the 128 TMCC speed steps, those will permit you to adjust the TMCC consist with a bit of more grandularity than you have with DCS. Specifically this example with Legacy's 200 speed steps illustrates this point where my road engines (both diesels and steam) run between 37 and 40 speed steps to match my proto2 consists in front of them running at 10 smph.  Switchers and subways have different ratios of comparision with Proto 2 smph with my Genset switcher running at speed step 24 to match my Proto2 Rdg 3 unit MU at 3 smph. You have a lot of speed steps to get a closest match to the proto2 speed. Note even with this there is not a "nuge" factor whereby you can tweek to consists to run at exactly the same speed and the slack between trains will eventually have to be adjusted.