I wish to run two loops which are connected by crossovers (2), so I can run two trains independently. The two crossovers are factory wired so power all tracks from one power source. How do I change this so that I can use two power supplies and operate independently?
Easiest solution is DCC.
Use insulated plastic rail joiners inbetween the crossovers.
Dear Frank W.,
Isolation instructions are at the bottom of this page on David Harrison's Acela website:
http://web.mac.com/msibnsf/iWeb/Acela%20Express,%20The%20Need%20For%20Speed/Modeling%20Techniques.html
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Joe Satnik
I am doing the same basic thing with my layout but for only one engine at a time , for dc do I need to isolate anything or will it all work as a plug n play ...I know I will need a couple of feeders but is there anything else I need to do?
I run dc as well. Also, I have an inner loop and outer loop. I use a dual power pack, with the loops electrically isolated from each other. IIRC, the pack is called an MRC Tech280. It is a single box with two throttles, two dc outputs and two direction switches. I can run two trains in opposite directions and at different speeds. This way the trains can 'meet' at different spots on the layout, while running continuously. I find this arrangement very satisfactory. How many track feeders you need depends on how large your layout gets.
Another benefit is the dual power pack would cost less than buying two packs with equivalent power.
Just my two cents...
Regards,
Jonathan
so is it possible to run a double loop connected with two crossovers on one transformer w/feeders
Yes, it can be done. Just remember a single power pack, in dc, can only run two, maybe three, engines at once. You can wire for any configuration, but you only have X number of amps per power pack. MRC packs currently max out at about 14.5 volts (can't remember the amperage). Today's locomotives are much more efficient than just a few years ago. I have in fact, triple-headed a thirty car train. But I wouldn't recommend it as a regular practice.
this is one of the reasons DCC has become so popular. One DCC system can run several trains at once, without even breathing hard. Of course you pay more, but many people think the advantages are well worth it. I have yet to discover the magic of the dark side. But I have been studying it a little, and asking an occasional question or two.
Regards,
Jonathan
yeah we're going dcc as long as his interest in trains continue, but for right now it will be only one running at a time even tho we have a Pere Marquette to go with the spectrum set and thanks for the answer ...can't wait till the magic morning
Thanks Joe! That is exactly the information I needed!
so is there anything that needs to be done to the crossovers or will the double loop be plug n play, also the feeders should be inside track to inside track with out altering the crossovers
Dear FM,
Isolation is for running two analog power packs independently, one for the inner oval, one for the outer oval.
This is called "Block wiring", or "DC-Block wiring".
Atlas book #12, "The Complete Atlas Wiring Book" does a good job explaining it all.
Highly recommended.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Joe Satnik
hey man thanks for every body's help but I guess all yall that have been into this for a long time are use to a newb like me and I'm sure there will be more questions to follow as long as he don't lose interest ...like thats gonna happen,hes been pushing around the wooden Thomas trains since he was old enough to hold 'em , so thanks again
FM,
I believe this forum is made for people who are just starting out. This is where I started learning some of the basics. I get the feeling the more experienced modelers on this forum really want to help the beginners. I'm just past the beginner stage, and I feel a desire to share what little knowledge I have. In this way we all move forward with our skills.
That's why, no matter how many times you see the question, somebody will log in and answer a radius question. How else will we learn if we don't ask the question. I will always answer, if I know it (I like guessing, too ;) ).
No such thing as a stupid question.
Regards,
Jonathan
Quote from: Joe Satnik on December 16, 2009, 12:53:10 AM
Dear Frank W.,
Isolation instructions are at the bottom of this page on David Harrison's Acela website:
http://web.mac.com/msibnsf/iWeb/Acela%20Express,%20The%20Need%20For%20Speed/Modeling%20Techniques.html
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Thanks Joe for the reference to my Acela page. For a decade now, modelers who purchase the Bachmann crossovers are faced with a problem....the crossovers are designed for DCC layouts only. On a DC layout, insulated railjoiners must be inserted in the "crossover track" to keep the two straight tracks electrically separate. This can only be done by cutting certain rails on the Bachmann crossovers. If one is using sectional track, like Atlas, the crossover is not one unit but two opposing switches. Simply insert the insulating rail joiner between the two switches and viola!!! the straights are electrically separated.
Now why Bachmann designed their crossovers without thjis insulation and when, if ever they will offer DC/DCC crossovers is another story that, like I said is a over a decade old.
David Harrison
Acela Express Portable Layout
Joe Satnik
Quote from: D.Harrison on December 22, 2009, 10:07:35 PM
Quote from: Joe Satnik on December 16, 2009, 12:53:10 AM
Dear Frank W.,
Isolation instructions are at the bottom of this page on David Harrison's Acela website:
http://web.mac.com/msibnsf/iWeb/Acela%20Express,%20The%20Need%20For%20Speed/Modeling%20Techniques.html
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Thanks Joe for the reference to my Acela page. For a decade now, modelers who purchase the Bachmann crossovers are faced with a problem....the crossovers are designed for DCC layouts only. On a DC layout, insulated railjoiners must be inserted in the "crossover track" to keep the two straight tracks electrically separate. This can only be done by cutting certain rails on the Bachmann crossovers. If one is using sectional track, like Atlas, the crossover is not one unit but two opposing switches. Simply insert the insulating rail joiner between the two switches and viola!!! the straights are electrically separated.
Now why Bachmann designed their crossovers without thjis insulation and when, if ever they will offer DC/DCC crossovers is another story that, like I said is a over a decade old.
David Harrison
Acela Express Portable Layout
Joe Satnik
so am I to understand that the crossovers are not plug n play for straight dc operation and must be altered in order to work for straight dc operation ... I understood from other threads that this was plug n play for dc operation and not dcc
no where on the pack or in the paperwork does it say dcc
which are which ...there are three... product number 44137 , 44575 , 44875 are all three dcc because only one says dcc ...I have the 44575 so will this work with regular dc operation or does it still need to be altered
Bachmann makes 2 types of crossovers the standard ones that are ideal for DC use and the DCC turnouts.
For Example:
#6 Remote Crossover Turnout - Right
Product Information
Nickel silver track with gray roadbed; 1/box
Connects parallel tracks, allowing equipment with longer wheelbases to cross over smoothly and at higher speeds.
Price: $60.00
Product Code: 44576
Compared to:
E-Z Command® DCC #6 Single Crossover Turnout - Right (1/box)
Product Information
* manual or DCC operation*
* conforms to all applicable NMRA standards
* compatible with all NMRA-compliant DCC systems
* quick, easy installation and programming
* no special wiring or control boxes needed
* nickel silver rail and connectors
* electrically wired frogs
* clear tie spacing
* low-profile spike heads
* modeled from AAR track engineering dimensions
*not designed for DC-powered layouts
Price: $70.00
Product Code: 44138
not to beat a dead horse but the 44575 and 44576 are plug n play with dc ...sorry but Christmas is only 48 hrs away and I don't want to fry an engine or a power pack and have to tell my little boy that it don't work
Dear Maxx,
For now, use only one power pack, one train running on both ovals.
One train on each oval, both moving in the same direction at the same time is possible, too, if your single power pack is strong enough.
Next step is either DCC (controller and a decoder in each loco), or isolation cuts on the crossover for DC block operation using multiple DC power packs and Atlas electrical switches. e.g. Atlas 205:
https://secure.atlasrr.com/mod1/itemdesc.asp?ic=0205&eq=&Tp=#
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Joe Satnik