Hello,

Brand new to the forum, fairly new to model trains.  Am running 2 DC trains on 2 separate tracks under the tree this year.  Can I splice 2 of the power cords together and use one power supply?

Using Bachmann EZ track, grey bed, flat female ends into the re-railer track.
Thanks in advance!

Mike

You could do that but you'd lose independent control of the trains. Both would go the same speed and direction. If you want them to run at different speeds you need two controllers.

Thank you!  I understand that they'd be same speed, same direction.  I have train on the "outer track," gandy dancer on the inner track.  More for my grandsons to watch, so I'm not overly concerned past that.  Just didn't want to blow anything up without asking first.  :-)

You definitely won't blow anything up.
With two separate "actual trains", you'd see a vast slow down since they're both using the same power. But since the Gandy Dancer pulls so lottle power anyway, there should only be a minor drop in speed.

Quote from: bbmiroku on December 15, 2024, 04:45:34 AMYou definitely won't blow anything up.
With two separate "actual trains", you'd see a vast slow down since they're both using the same power. But since the Gandy Dancer pulls so lottle power anyway, there should only be a minor drop in speed.

You wouldn't see any slowdown as long as the current capacity (amps) if the controller was not exceeded. Newer locomotives have better ,that  newer locomotives draw less current so running two locomotives shouldn't be a problem. I've done it many times on my test track, which is a circle of 18r EZ track with a Bachmann controller from a train set that I set up on the kitchen table. )regular layout is DCC, test track is DC which allows me to test locomotives and cars before I convert them to DCC>)

The very reason that all Bachmann terminal rerailers come with connections on both sides - You can just cut/splice short lengths as needed

Quote from: jward on December 15, 2024, 12:53:45 PM

Quote from: bbmiroku on December 15, 2024, 04:45:34 AMYou definitely won't blow anything up.
With two separate "actual trains", you'd see a vast slow down since they're both using the same power. But since the Gandy Dancer pulls so lottle power anyway, there should only be a minor drop in speed.

You wouldn't see any slowdown as long as the current capacity (amps) if the controller was not exceeded. Newer locomotives have better ,that  newer locomotives draw less current so running two locomotives shouldn't be a problem. I've done it many times on my test track, which is a circle of 18r EZ track with a Bachmann controller from a train set that I set up on the kitchen table. )regular layout is DCC, test track is DC which allows me to test locomotives and cars before I convert them to DCC>)

I ran mostly "well-used", donated, or other as-is trains, so they would all draw near half-max-amps from the also older powerpacks...