New Kato Unitrack

[JM714Goon]

I am just getting into the hobby! I purchased the Kato HM1 and the hv5 will I have to run both systems separately, or i can run them together with a turnout ?

 

[Santa Fe 4100]

I run Kato Unitrack. While I believe it is possible to run the two together with a turnout, I recommend getting a second power pack in order for everything to function smoother.

 

[JM714Goon]

That is how it was shown on the box as well! Was wondering if I purchased the three way for the power wire to connect to the to tracks with both feeder tracks connected by the three way. With a #6 left turnout

 

[Santa Fe 4100]

Are you planning to connect the loops with the HV4 Track set?

 

[JM714Goon]

I was looking into adding that piece at some point. Would it be a good idea? I was looking to add some different pieces but not to get to big and overwhelmed!

 

[Santa Fe 4100]

Adding the HV4 and a second power pack is a worthy investment. As for feeling overwhelmed, the double loops and crossover is a good starting point where you have something that will keep you entertained, but not having you feel overwhelmed with a huge pile of track.

 

[JM714Goon]

I understand, now with the second power pack will the train still be ran with the one throttle or would I have to switch once on that main other track

 

[Santa Fe 4100]

On my layout I match the speeds of my two controllers when sending a train from one track to another. With the switches thrown you can send a train to the other line without interruption if you use the controller on the track that is about to receive a train.

 

[KB02]

Make sure you run isolation between the two circuits as well as match polarity. Otherwise you may a loco explode when switching from one to the other.

"Explode" may be a little over dramatic... but as meltdown is possible.