Does any one know if it is possible to run more than 1 engine on a track? Would it burn out connections and motors faster? Overload circuits? (O-gauge set)
Posted by millcstl (Member # 60) on :
Jesse, The answer to your question is yes you can. The imprtant thing is to make sure that the power source that you are using (somtimes caller a cab, or transformer) has enough power to handle the loco motore that you are trying to run. The way you can figure this out is to look at the power output ratings of your powerpack/controler and then talk to your local RR shop or fix-it guy to see what the ratings of the electeric motor in the loco's are. Example: If one loco draws 30 watts and another draws 70 watts then the total requierment is 100 watts(pretty high for most locomotives). If the power pack does not have a maximum out put on track power of at least 100 watts at full power, then your performance will be very poor for the lash up of the two locos, even thoug each one will run fine individually. Note this is a simplification and there may be better "electro techies" out there that can give a better explanation. This discussion is for running multiple locomotives on the SAME train. If your question is about running multiple TRAINS on the same track it's a whole different topic. That gets into multiple cab selection or DCC. If this is the case let us know and you'll get multiple responses. Oh, one other thing, if the ouput and useage ratings for your equipment is listed in Amperage you can convert to watts by Amps=Watts/Voltage (remember your probably dealing with 12 volt output). Hope all this isn't more confusing than helpfull. Have a good run, Scott