Rule 42. Consolidation — Separate Trials. — (a) Consolidation

When actions involving a common question of law or fact are pending before the court, in the same division or different divisions, the court may order a joint hearing or trial of any or all the matters in issue in the actions; it may order all the actions consolidated; and it may make such orders concerning the proceedings therein as may tend to avoid unnecessary costs or delay.

(b) Separate Trials. The court in furtherance of convenience or to avoid prejudice may order a separate trial in the division where the action is pending or in a different division of any claim, cross-claim, counterclaim, or third-party claim, or of any separate issue or of any number of claims, cross-claims, counterclaims, thirdparty claims, or issues.