Running two locos at the same time

[RH Prague]

Putting it simply: Is there any technical issue with running two trains at the same time (leaving aside the logistics). Does the answer depend on how similar or otherwise the locos are.? I have two ZB U classes running merrily around now with similar axle load (8 each) and while one is slightly faster than the other, everything else seems OK.

Just want to make sure there isn't any hidden damage...

 

[chris m01]

If the speeds are reasonably closely matched there should be no problem.

 

[chris m01]

Do you mean for double heading?

 

[RH Prague]

That is amazing.

Well I was confining myself to the question of two locos on different parts of the track. I have a decent size dumb bell.

But I wanted to ask separately about double heading in analogue. Isn't that a little more of an issue?

 

[Neil Robinson]

Technically I think there's little if any difference between analogue double heading similar locos and operating one twin (or more) motor loco.

 

[chris m01]

I often run two separate trains. If the speeds are similar it takes quite a time for the faster one to catch the slower one.
You have to make sure your power supply has sufficient amps to push two locos. Obviously two locos will require twice as many amps as one.

 

[ntpntpntp]

Trying to figure out what kind of "hidden damage" you envisioned? All you're doing is running two motors instead of one - as Neil said - so you're drawing more current from the controller. As long as the controller can cope and you don't reach the overload cut-out limit then it's irrelevant how many locos you run on the same track and/or what types they are.

With double heading it becomes important that the locos are closely speed-matched otherwise one is pulling or pushing the other which could cause a strain on the gearing and they won't run smoothly together.

 

[trammayo]

I often run three trains at once on my trailer layout. As my track power supply is in switchable sections I don't have a problem (unless I'm distracted and there's a crash and derailments).

 

[RH Prague]

Trying to figure out what kind of "hidden damage" you envisioned? All you're doing is running two motors instead of one - as Neil said - so you're drawing more current from the controller. As long as the controller can cope and you don't reach the overload cut-out limit then it's irrelevant how many locos you run on the same track and/or what types they are.

With double heading it becomes important that the locos are closely speed-matched otherwise one is pulling or pushing the other which could cause a strain on the gearing and they won't run smoothly together.

Good question. I'm not electronics savvy and went straight from having a Hornby Dublo as a kid (where two locos on one track was a no-no, or so I was told by my Dad) to my garden railway with a gap of about 40 years

I think I had read several years ago about double heading causing a strain on the gearing (and it was worded somewhat more strongly as I recall). So for several years, I never even tried it (or even two trains on one track). Been missing out...

So with regard to double-heading I take from this that it is all about speed matching as to whether the locos are compatible. So my two Stainz's don't seem particularly compatible (there are of course lots of Stainz's...). Maybe I should log how much time each of my locos needs to get round the loop at the same throttle speed?

 

[PhilP]

Put two locos on the track about 8 feet apart.. Then run them.
If they run reasonably at the same speed, you will be fine.

I think your Father was right for the smaller scales, as everything is finer, so less robust to a little strain on the gearing. - That and the cost of young person perhaps being a little over exuberant with things?
We all had less idea what we might break as youngsters!

 

[Paul M]

Good question. I'm not electronics savvy and went straight from having a Hornby Dublo as a kid (where two locos on one track was a no-no, or so I was told by my Dad) to my garden railway with a gap of about 40 years

I think I had read several years ago about double heading causing a strain on the gearing (and it was worded somewhat more strongly as I recall). So for several years, I never even tried it (or even two trains on one track). Been missing out...

So with regard to double-heading I take from this that it is all about speed matching as to whether the locos are compatible. So my two Stainz's don't seem particularly compatible (there are of course lots of Stainz's...). Maybe I should log how much time each of my locos needs to get round the loop at the same throttle speed?

Fortunately things have changed a lot since Dublo days, with no, or at best very primative, overload protection provision it was probably quite possible to do some real damage to the controller or transformer. Going off thread a bit, in the earliest days, I think they used a rheostat for control. This was fine but under certain short circuit conditions, it could put up to 240volts across the tracks!

 

[Madman]

If you are running two trains on the same track, separately, then this product may be what you want to take a look at. Of course it depends on if you are willing to convert to battery power.

http://www.gscalegraphics.net/store/p48/RailBoss_4_-_Plus_Receiver.html

 

[Rhinochugger]

Putting it simply: Is there any technical issue with running two trains at the same time (leaving aside the logistics). Does the answer depend on how similar or otherwise the locos are.? I have two ZB U classes running merrily around now with similar axle load (8 each) and while one is slightly faster than the other, everything else seems OK.

Just want to make sure there isn't any hidden damage...

No technical problem if your controller has sufficient amps. Your trains and their loads can be entirely different - no matter

Plenty of logistical problems dependent upon how long after Chablis-o'clock you are attempting this feat

 

[Greg Elmassian]

I don't know why battery suggestions are being made... there is no technical issue. If you have enough amps for both trains at the same time, no problem. If one runs a lot faster than the other, you can put an inexpensive "voltage dropper" to slow down the faster one.

Greg

p.s. some people that run all DC locos, but more than one train on the track will put in an isolated section of track with a pushbutton to disconnect power... by doing this, you can easily "space out" trains to keep them apart or at the desired spacing... very inexpensive and easy to do.

Putting it simply: Is there any technical issue with running two trains at the same time (leaving aside the logistics). Does the answer depend on how similar or otherwise the locos are.? I have two ZB U classes running merrily around now with similar axle load (8 each) and while one is slightly faster than the other, everything else seems OK.

Just want to make sure there isn't any hidden damage...

 

[Frank Gallagher]

You could always go digikal

 

[playmofire]

You can always use a simple arrangement of isolating blocks controlled by magnets on each loco so that both locos cannot be in the same block at one time.

 

[James Day]

As Gordon says, that is an excellent way to do it!

Magnets on the locos can switch relays both on and off, but the relays can take the form of signals. This is very entertaining to watch the trains stop when the signal is at danger and start as it clears.

You always need one more 'block' than the number of trains you are running so if you goal is to run two trains, then you need three blocks.

Take a look at this link:
https://www.champex-linden.de/download_fremddokumente/lgb_00559_explore_the_world_of_lgb.pdf

The diagrams that explain what you need to know to create a simple block system are on pages 132 and 133.

This is using LGB 'EPL' gear which I find brilliant and have used since it was first available, but I am sure others can reccomend other makes of kit. For example the PIKO reeds and relays do much the same job!

The price of new LGB kit can somtimes be scary, but secondhand EPL stuff is usually very good value, and is generally sound, so almost as good as new. The only EPL item that you really should buy new are the reeds, as secondhand ones can be fine, but can sometimes be a bit of a challenge to get to work!

Good luck,

James

 

[RockApeMark]

No problems with double heading, or even triple heading if you have the power. I have always double headed, even with loco's that are slightly divergent regarding speed and attractive effort - no probs in the last 14 years!