Lionel Train Forum - Lionel Trains




Author Topic: Running two trains on one line  (Read 9161 times)

  • Moderator
  • *****
  • Posts: 491
    • View Profile
  • Scale(s) Modeled: 0 scale

  • Total Badges: 19
    Badges: (View All)
    Seventh year Anniversary Sixth year Anniversary Fifth year Anniversary
Re: Running two trains on one line
« on: October 28, 2014, 01:53:52 pm »
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

 

Member Photos

Recent Threads

Re: Where is Reversing Gear on Santa Fe Diesel? by aaganz
January 11, 2026, 05:18:44 pm

Horn Operation in Santa Fe diesel?? by aaganz
January 11, 2026, 05:16:32 pm

Battery powered train by MikeW101
January 07, 2026, 04:36:07 pm

Re: Where is Reversing Gear on Santa Fe Diesel? by aaganz
December 29, 2025, 12:18:24 pm

Re: Where is Reversing Gear on Santa Fe Diesel? by aaganz
December 28, 2025, 08:54:05 am

Menu


Donate to LTF Here

Lionel Trains

Lionel Train Forum - Model Train Forum

©2012-2023  LionelTrainForum.com