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 Posted - January 15 2007 : 2:28:11 PM
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Never having owned more than one locomotive at a time, I have never dealt with the situation of operating more than one at the same time. What is the result of operating two locomotives on the same track at the same time, besides diminished performance? Is it damaging to any component? I've seen parallel layouts with trains runing on each at the same time and I assume they each have their separate power source, but how does one connect two systems like that? Can one run a train from one system to the other? I know of track connectors made of plastic which I assume act to insulate sections of track. Any suggestions in this area would be appreciated.
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Posted - January 15 2007 : 4:06:23 PM
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In HO, running multiple units is not a problem, I do it all the time.
Just make sure that the units are not "fighting" each other, that is run them seperatly on the layout, seperated by a few feet, to see if they keep the same (or nearly so) distance from each other.
I have an O scale layout, 2 rail DC, that has a massive power requirement! Several of my locomotives have TWO big can motors in them, and this is a huge amperage draw.
I have to use a G gauge power pack, just to multiple unit them together!
Also, most train set powerpacks won't take more than 3 or 4 locos at one time, they might overload. I prefer MRC's packs, but, most any over the train set level will handle multis!
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Posted - January 15 2007 : 5:06:28 PM
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| Okay, so I can run more than one locomotive on the same track, I guess the next question would be is there a practical limit to how many can be run. You mentioned overloading the power pack. Also, is there a limit to how long a track can be and still be powered by a single power pack.
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 Posted - February 11 2007 : 05:48:52 AM
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Hi,
This may be late in answering some of your other questions, but I will make you aware of a few details to consider.
Not all locomotives are identical in speed, even though they may have come from the same box, store, brand name (i.e. TYCO, Bachmann, and their offshoots, i.e. Bachmann Plus, Bachmann Spectrum, Life like-LifeLike Proto 1000, Proto 2000, etc.) even though they may look identical.
I own two Bachmann Plus F-7 (A & B) locomotives. They run simultaniously equal 99% of the time. The B-unit runs a teensey bit faster because it has no headlight.
Even so, the direction in which I run these two locomotives, the A and B unit is slightly different. These were generally made to run together. Basic identical twins, one short of a head light of voltage draw.
I have found that matching Athearn units (built in the same time frame) run very equal to each other: two GP-9's run beautifully together, adding a third, still a good running team. But, remember that they need to be built (out of the box) in the same time frame. What this means is this: If you go out to your favorite hobby shop and purchase three identical locomotives, I could guarantee that you will have no problem pulling a long set of freight cars.
But, if you buy a fourth, say, a GP-9 that has metal trucks, as opposed to the newer units that have plastic trucks, the new compared to the old will not be a good match in speed and response. The older one with metal trucks may actually go farther when the power is shut of instantly. And, the newer units may start rolling with less throttle applied.
Another thing to consider in the differences of performance is the motors.
Most anybody in the hobby of model trains may tell you that an Athearn locomotive is NOT compatible with a Bachmann locomotive. They may both contain a "flywheel," but these two locomotives are produced by two different companies.
It could be like comparing a pair of automobiles. A 2007 Ford Mustang will not run the same as a 2007 Chevy Malibu. Even if both had a six cylinder engine, the Ford Mustang is going to excel in power, as well as draw more fuel from the tank. Even so, 1972 Ford Mustang may also have a six cylinder engine, but it will also have a whole lot more metal in its body structure.
The same is true for model train locomotives... the older ones will have a greater draw on the current of the power pack than the new ones. Again, the performance will also be different.
As mentioned by "tsgtbob," MRC is a trustable line of powerpacks/transformers. They have the power to run up to five locomotives, plus accessories, they have circut breakers incase of a short circut... some have meters and lights(lamps) as indicators, one of the powerpacks can even run two seperate trains on seperate (and insulated from each other) railroad tracks, two different direction controls. Basically like a pair of the lower end MRC's except in one housing.
Model train mag's review locomotives as well as transformers. Your hobby dealer may be a great help, as well.
Which brings up another point... A "Hobby Shop" may give you better result experience compared to, say... "Walmart" or "Toys R Us" stores.
The "cheap" trainsets have come a long way and as well as come "up" in price... and also increased detail and realism. Even most of the "cheaper" sets come with railroad track: "E-Z" track for example. For a quick set up, all you gotta do is find space almost anywhere in your home for a loop or oval, making sure that the track connectors are lined up decently and you click it all together (even on the floor) because the roadbed is pre-attached to the rails and ties.
Oh, one more thing, amongst a hundred more things to learn about model trains, Have Fun! [:)]
Hope this helps, albeit sorta late...
John
I don't have a one track mind. It depends on the turn-out.
"I love your catenary!"
Is that a power-trip or just another pick-up line?
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Posted - February 16 2007 : 9:11:08 PM
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I think an MRC transformer makes a big difference in the way locos run on the positive side. Locos even run better when the track is dirty. An old Tyco train set power pack doesn't work as well to run the locos.
Alco Fan
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Posted - February 16 2007 : 10:56:24 PM
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Right, Alco Fan,
And, the older TYCO powerpacks do not have circut breakers. They will heat up considerbly especially when two or more locomotives are operating.
Plus, MRC also has a "Pulse" option. This "pulse" option is more friendly to older locomotives.
You could, however, use the older TYCO transformer to run your accessories by itself.
Keep on trackin'! [:D]
John
I don't have a one track mind. It depends on the turn-out.
"I love your catenary!"
Is that a power-trip or just another pick-up line?
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Posted - February 26 2008 : 01:47:15 AM
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quote:In HO, running multiple units is not a problem, I do it all the time.
Just make sure that the units are not "fighting" each other, that is run them seperatly on the layout, seperated by a few feet, to see if they keep the same (or nearly so) distance from each other.
I have an O scale layout, 2 rail DC, that has a massive power requirement! Several of my locomotives have TWO big can motors in them, and this is a huge amperage draw.
I have to use a G gauge power pack, just to multiple unit them together!
Also, most train set powerpacks won't take more than 3 or 4 locos at one time, they might overload. I prefer MRC's packs, but, most any over the train set level will handle multis!
Originally posted by tsgtbob - January 15 2007 : 8:06:23 PM
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yeah 1 day i drove my bn f7a and my atsf switcher on my single track mainline i saw the bn engine quickly catching up and be fore you could say 'pink panther flakes are very yummy' BANG!!!
What to do with a balloon, a needle, and ketchup: get ketchup all over yourself, pop the balloon, then yell "i've been shot!"
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