newbie question... - The Whistle Post

greeze · #1 (**permalink**) 09-06-2008, 11:10 AM

hi! i'm building my first layout- not really sure where i'm going with it, but here's my question- or dilema- how can i connect multiple power packs- will several transformers work on a single track layout, or does each train need it's own separate track? i have 3 power packs with all the hook ups and lots of track!

thanks in advance!!!

Eastern Roads · #2 (**permalink**) 09-06-2008, 12:21 PM

Welcome to the site!

In order to understand what you're trying to accomplish, I'd like to ask a question, if I may:

Why do you think you'd want to have three PP's powering one track??

A power pack generally is sufficient for a stretch of track on a home layout, that's why i'm asking.

If you are trying to run multiple engines on one track with individual control, then you should look into what's known as DCC or Digital Command Control, which enables that ability to run engines in either direction on the same track, do multi-unit lashups, helper operations, etc.

If you don't want to go into the electronics of DCC, then you can isolate sections of track, and dedicate a PP to each section if you want. Most folks going that way will run the power through switches so they can turn sections on and off and "park" engines (and their trains) while they pay attention to the live sections running locos.

I'm sure others will chime in, if you gave us a little more info on what you're trying to do, then we might be able to give you some advice you think you can use.

In the meantime, I hope I answered some or most of your question!!

greeze · #3 (**permalink**) 09-06-2008, 01:20 PM

i guess what i think i'm trying to do is run 2-3 different trains at once (i have 3 locos, 3 pp's with all the hook ups, and lots of track!). so i wasn't sure if it would be safe to hook up all the pp's to one big track or if i should make 2-3 smaller tracks (i'm planning on a 4'x8' space). or, as you mentioned, get a better pp that can handle more than one loco...

i'm not smart when it comes electronics... i have looked into dcc's a little bit- so if i had that i could run two engines on one track and then make a seperate one for parking and whatnot.

so many options!!! now that i've got a decent collection of stuff, i'm just not sure where to start other than figuring out a layout. like i said, i've got quite a bit of track, a bridge/figure 8 kit, and a couple turnouts...

thanks for all of your help!

hoscalemodeler1967 · #4 (**permalink**) 09-06-2008, 01:42 PM

oh boy,,and ur about to have the most fun of your life, trust me. i'm new as well, and learning fast. with a 4x8 and what you have, you have lots of possibilities. take a look at the layouts n pics around the site. also check youtube for model train layouts. tons of great resources. welcome and alllll abboarrrrrdddddd

check my lil tester layout video , YouTube - my 1st rr layout
, i put this together in a few days, lots of action,HO scale, all tracks powered by separate switches to same power pack and it sits on a 5'x6' piece of junk plywood,,,not recomended, but was fun for a few weeks. now i have bigger table ,and you can learn alotttt from these guys,,pester em with questions, they thrive on it,LOL

Allegany2666 · #5 (**permalink**) 09-06-2008, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greeze

i guess what i think i'm trying to do is run 2-3 different trains at once (i have 3 locos, 3 pp's with all the hook ups, and lots of track!). so i wasn't sure if it would be safe to hook up all the pp's to one big track or if i should make 2-3 smaller tracks (i'm planning on a 4'x8' space). or, as you mentioned, get a better pp that can handle more than one loco...

i'm not smart when it comes electronics... i have looked into dcc's a little bit- so if i had that i could run two engines on one track and then make a seperate one for parking and whatnot.

so many options!!! now that i've got a decent collection of stuff, i'm just not sure where to start other than figuring out a layout. like i said, i've got quite a bit of track, a bridge/figure 8 kit, and a couple turnouts...

thanks for all of your help!

Before you waste you time and mainly your money do your research first. When I ran DC only I had a layout that encompassed 1500 sq. feet. I ran it on only two power supplies one was dedicated to a yard and engine svc. facility and the other was mainline and branch line operations. You CAN NOT run multiple trains on a single line with DC and have separate controls for each train. Typically if you run more then one train at a time on the same line your engines will slow down significantly. If your starting out you may want to look into DCC before you go any farther. With Digital Command Control you can run as many as 5 trains on a single line independently of each other. I have seen where on one guys railroad he runs 72 trains at one time using DCC. He has several operators of course and each have several trains on a single throttle.

If you are intent on running DC because you believe it's cheaper you may find out that your wrong the hard way. When you run DC you will need to run what is referred to as "blocks" sections of your railroad will be separated or isolated electrically form each other. I suggest you buy at least one book on wiring your railroad. You may also want to check Modelrailroader.com the official website of model railroader magazine. You'll get information form the best there is in the hobby.
Good luck.

domiluk · #6 (**permalink**) 09-06-2008, 08:53 PM

What the other guys are saying is right with the cost of dcc today and trying to block a layout you would spend a good chunk on toggle switches the single pole double throw are about 4.00 ea.that can add up quick .Don't let all this scare you out of the hobby It's the best hobby you will every get unto .I would go to a hobby store that has a lot of railroad stuff and talk to them and also get a book or to on how to. Atlas makes some great starter books One is how to wire a layout. there even a book out all about dcc, buy the small book not the large dcc book that a little over the head of a beginner.Buy the way you only need one good power supply to run a 4x8layout in dc. mrc makes one that cost about 35.00 dollars but can get one off ebay for a lot less alot of guys that are going into dcc are selling there dc power packs, I hope this helps and if it don't ask more question here on the TWP someone will help answer your question.By the way

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