Running two trains on one line

• Running two trains on one line
  Posted by AGDeJohn on 24 Oct, 2014 05:54
• Hello. My name is Anthony DeJohn and I am new to this forum. I have recently purchased the Lionel Santa Fe Passenger set and love it. I am looking to expand my layout. I am building a dog bone layout and have a question. I want to block it off so I can run two trains at the same time. How do I do this? I am using fast Track and I have seen a special block section but don't know how it works. Thank You!
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• #1 Reply
  Posted by djacobsen on 24 Oct, 2014 07:19
• Anthony
  Hello & Welcome to the Forum!
  
  Here's the Manual for the Lionel Blocking Section:
  http://www.lionel.com/media/servicedocuments/3074712060250FTBlockSection.pdf
  It should supply the information you seek.
  If you haven't done so yet, check out the topics in the  Lionel Maintenance & Repair sub-forum.
  There's a lot of helpful information for new & old train hobbyists located there.
  
  Happy Rails!
  Dave
  
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• #2 Reply
  Posted by Conductor on 24 Oct, 2014 15:51
• Welcome to the Forum Anthony! 
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• #3 Reply
  Posted by AGDeJohn on 28 Oct, 2014 09:26
• Thank You guys!!! I was wondering if I can use my accessory terminal on the back of my CW80 transformer to power a block rather than buying a new power transformer?
  
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• #4 Reply
  Posted by TrainLarry on 28 Oct, 2014 13:53
• Hello Anthony, and welcome to the forum!
  The Block Section of track is usually used to isolate a section of track to operate accessories. The accessory terminals on your transformer are used to power accessories since the voltage is steady and not variable, which would be needed to operate a train with.
  Without a form of command control, it is very difficult to operate 2 trains on one track manually. The best that can be done is to use block sections with relays to stop and start trains in the blocks. The relays would control the trains, and they would run on their own with no operator assistance. Here is a nice tutorial http://www.jcstudiosinc.com/RunningMultipleTrainsOnSameTrack on wiring up a layout that way.
  Running 2 trains simultaneously would be much easier with 2 separate loops. In this case, you could use the fixed voltage accessory terminal of your transformer to run one of the trains at a fixed speed, and the throttle would operate the second train. To have independent control of both trains would need either 2 transformers, or a larger transformer with 2 or more throttles, such as an old KW or an old or new ZW transformer.
  
  Larry
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• #5 Reply
  Posted by AGDeJohn on 29 Oct, 2014 05:41
• Thank You Larry!
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• #6 Reply
  Posted by TrainLarry on 29 Oct, 2014 12:44
•  You're welcome Anthony.
  Keep us posted on what you do, and don't be afraid to ask questions.
  
  Larry
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