So we have two separate gardens one we have track in and the other we are looking to add track. The elevation difference is more then we want to over come. Thinking to power the track with the same power source and use the same controller (Piko Navigator). Is there going to be a problem or a better way to do it? There are other obstacles but we will cross that bridge when we get there literally. There will either be a draw bridge or we eliminate a set of stairs. 
if you connect one controller for two different circuits, it might be an idea to put a simple (light-) switch into each cable from controller to circuit.
then you can run one or the other, or both as you want.
It will work, so long as you don’t exceed the capacity of the supply with the second train. Only a concern if running two at once.
Korm’s suggestion is a good one too.
My personal feeling is to have each on its own power, why would you want to have to deal with two tracks powered by one system and not even in the same area. The only reason I can see why this would be done is to save on buying another control system, if this is your reason for doing this then I understand. Also, if you have a derail, or short on one track then you shut down both from running, like I said, I wouldn’t open up another bag-of-worms when outdoor railroading has enough already. I run Rail Pro battery power and every track is a separate track for me.
Two separate power packs. Or a dual pack. (I think Bridgeworks had a dual–don’t recall for sure.)
You can control the two trains independently .
Direction, speed, etc.
I used to have two separate lines in one layout. Speaking from experience.
Good advice given above. I’d say get another power source to run that other track. As long as your pack has enough amps you should be able to run both tracks. I can run 3 trains on my RR at once with on control but if I hit stop they all stop. All of my sidings are insulated so I can park a train while the others stay running. I use regular light switches to do this.
In my main yard I have a 1 amp LGB starter set pack. This is isolated from the rest of the RR so a train can be running while I switch around cars. The yard also has a dual light switches, one for each track so the yard can be electrically connected to the rest of the RR in case my track cleaning train has to come in. This MOW train has 5 motors and the 1 amp can’t handle that.
I’d say use the one power pack for now but keep your eyes peeled for another one.
Exactly…A power supply capable of 5 to 10 amps depending on what you run and accounting for voltage drop etc. should be more than sufficient. Honestly though 3 amps would more than likely cut it.
I have two loops and two TE with their own power run by one remote
If you have the room, one way to get a train up is a helix, 8’ & 10’ curve tracks would handle most rolling stock
, but would require 2 separate helixes to keep from having wiring issues and having to worry about train collisions. No I am talking my way out of it, but depending on your room and willingness to do something it could be fun to see
That is an idea, I will have to figure out how much track I would need to get there. There was some body setting up a helix track at the Syracuse show yesterday but when we left it was not done yet, he must have got there late.
How much altitude to you need to gain? Just enough to clear the cars as the go around should take a full circle of track maybe a little extra to get everything to line up.
I have a 4-1/2 foot elevation change. By my calculations I need 200 feet of track to get 2.25 % grade that would be about eight, eight foot circles which is about as big as I can go in that spot.
We are discussing maybe we will just keep to the one track.
Honestly Mark,
I think you should stick with the original plan at this point however I would like to see a picture of the 2 gardens in question if that’s not too much to ask? I have said it 100 times over that a picture says 1,000 words!
I believe you got your answer on the power options and IMO an outside helix is a maintenance nightmare in your area especially running track power.
However I am no expert on anything. I am only stating thoughts and suggestions from what I have learned playing with toy trains outdoors (with plenty of trees) using track power for over 15yrs in central PA .
Only sharing my thoughts.
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well, like Rooster, i do not think that the effort is worth the gain.
the layout, i am dismantling now, was a two level affair. two foot height difference.
i needed about 45 foot of track to bridge that difference.
BUT:
that meant 6% of raise on straights, 4% of raise on (R1)curves.
MEANING:
only LGB- Stainzes with LGB motorized tenders, with lead-weights to 5 pound each, could tow a five foot string of cars or coaches up that incline.
but Stainzes are like mountain goats.
(my poor old Bachmann 10-wheeler could not even tow its own tender up that hill)
i don’t think so. a helix being a curve, curves costing power, you would need nearer to 300 foot to get “normal” trains up there.
but it would look nice…
This is looking up to the RR from the drive to the right is the proposed RR.
Standing in the same place and looking at the proposed RR
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This is looking at the proposed RR it would come from the left and go in front of the stairs as a draw bridge and circle around behind the stairs and back to the left or we would eliminate the stairs and build a retaining wall.
To the right we would have a loop and go on the far side of the pond and go to the left where the stairs are and come back on the far side to the loop.
Honestly,
From the first and the last picture I would keep the pond as is no train. Make it a focal point of it’s own with some pavers or limestone around the edge. Remember you are walking into the Lockburner Empire!
The kio pond is the initial invitation onto the plantation and caters to the Japanese businessman investors then you can totally sell them with the trip up the hill to the railroad. Once again I would like to stress maintenance and how much do you want or does it not matter like I used to believe.
What you may need in the future if it takes off as planned is something on the left side of the driveway. That way you can announce tea and fancy sandwiches are available down the driveway to the left.
We have come to the conclusion that it will be more work then it’s worth. I have suggested to the RR President (wife, she is also the treasurer) that we could add to the present RR on one end behind the deck. Will have to see how that goes.
Clean outside track, this is the stuff! Deoxit, we use it at work to service the slip rings on rotating utility equipment. Just apply to the track, run a loco, any loco, around the track. No elbow grease needed to shine the track. If you have a track cleaning loco, use Deoxit in it’s applicator, let the loco apply it.
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