Thinking about wiring two transformers on double loop layout

Roger,

Your question is very similar to one raised last week.  Follow this link:

     Two Loops, Isolated with Connecting Switches (3/4/23) | Mellow Hudson Mike

Mike

@Mellow Hudson Mike posted:

Roger,

Your question is very similar to one raised last week.  Follow this link:

     Two Loops, Isolated with Connecting Switches (3/4/23) | Mellow Hudson Mike

Mike

Hi Mike

Thanks for that.  I think that will help.  My chief concern would be when wanting to move a train to the outside or inside loop how to be sure that one transformer doesn't short out the engine or whatever since there isn't a directional indicator, just a Botton that changes your direction. In other words how do you ensure a smooth transition from the control of one transformer to the control of the other transformer?

Cheers

Roger

The transformer on the second loop won't change the direction of a crossing engine. The voltages on the two loops should be fairly even. The most important factor is that the transformers need to be in phase.

I agree, the transformers have to be in phase, which there are a ton of posts on here how to do it (basically, you connect the ground wire to the common terminal on both transformers; then you plug the transformers in, and then put a meter set to AC v across two hot terminals on the two transformers who have the same output voltage (a fixed output is good for this, if it doesn't have that, set the variable power to the same value on transformer A and B. If in phase, if you put a meter across the hot terminal on transformer A and transformer B, it will show 0 volts. If it doesn't, reverse one of the plugs, and it should then be 0.

You don't have to worry about direction, unlike in DC, the direction on a 3 rail engine is changed by pushing the button, which cause it to cycle to the next direction (as in F N R). Unless there is some interruption in power, if the two loops are electrically isolated, then the train should just keep going.