[ltcoyle]

Hi,

I will be running two trains via straight DC on two separate tracks. I was wondering if it would be better to use two separate power sources then a dual unit, figuring the output would be better in separate ones versus a dual. Does that logic seem to make sense or do folks tend to use the dual power supply units?

Thank you,

Kevin

 

[wvgca]

it actually doesn't make much difference, as -most- dual supplies are not joined on the secondary end .. run whatever you have ..

 

[Dennis461]

Two thoughts come to mind.
Will there be two people operating the trains? A dual unit might get crowded.
Two separate supplies could be space a couple of feet apart.

Do you have particular units in mind? The total VA rating may be important if the trains draw lots of power e.g. two powered diesels and lighted passenger cars.

 

[ltcoyle]

Hi,

I will be the only operator. On my outer loop will be a string of about 5-6 stream liner passenger cars, which I still need to get the powered F7A & B units for. On the inner loop and turnouts will be a freight set. I will not have any elevation gains, just a flat run for both loops. My layout will be a 5'x10' with a small 4'x3' section at one end forming a "L" shaped platform.

Thank you,

Kevin

 

[cv_acr]

Either route you go will be perfectly fine.

The dual-unit is pretty much designed for exactly your situation; it just packages things up into a more compact form factor vs. two separate units side-by-side.

 

[DonR]

Kevin



It isn't clear if your 'two tracks' will be connected
to each other thru use of turnouts.

If they are, you'll want to use insulated joiners
in both rails where they connect. There is a
threat tho, that, with this arrangement, you can
have a short circuit when the loco wheels span
those joiners if the two tracks are not
set to the same polarity.

This is just one of the disadvantages of DC layouts and
why so many of us have upgraded to DCC.
With DCC you would connect the two 'tracks' and only
one DCC controller would permit you to run 2 or even
several more trains at the same time, each individually
controlled.

don