Need help using and understanding terminal strips?

[KEVINK22]

So here is my dilema. I am operating in conventional mode only, using Lionel Fastrack, and it is all power by the MTH Z4000 transformer. I have an MTH 12 terminal strip to use to evenly supply power to the layout without having all the wires all over the place. My question is the transformer has two handles to operate the trains, and i believe a 10 amp and 18 amp spot in the back for accessories. My outside loop or Track 1 is the longest and i want to divide the track power at different sections of track.

Now if i hook up the power wires to the Red and Black posts on the terminal strip will i only be able to power just track 1 off of that? And what about Track 2? Do i need another terminal strip to power the inner loop, or can i use the same one? Any thoughts or suggestions would be helpful. Thanks!

[lionelsoni]

Your fixed outputs are 10 volts and 14 volts, each at 3 amperes.

I can't understand what you're presently doing and what you want to do.  If everything is now powered from one variable output through a single 40-1014, then you are able to control only one train at a time on the entire layout.  But you could be doing this "without having all the wires all over the place".  Are you intending to power the two loops separately from the two variable transformer outputs?  Do you want to add switches (not turnouts) to allow you to shut off individual blocks in the outside loop?  Are there any crossovers between the loops?

[KEVINK22]

Lionelsoni,

I am trying to power the two loops seperately, and i do have switches that will be used.. As for the crossovers' i only have two pair of switches being used as a somewhat crossover so that the train on the first loop can go onto the second and visa versua. Any help or suggestions would be great. Thanks

[lionelsoni]

Here's how I would do it:

Decide how many blocks you want and where.  Put gaps or insulating pins in the center rails between blocks.  Split each crossover between an inner-loop block and an outer-loop block.  It usually works best to have a block gap near each trailing-point end of a turnout.

Connect the outside rails of all your track together (except for the control rails of turnouts, if any).  Connect the outside rails of one loop to the outside rails of the other wherever the two loops come close together.  Connect all the outside rails to the common terminal of your transformer.

Get as many single-pole double-throw (SPDT) toggle switches as you have blocks.  Wire the center terminal of each switch to the center rail of a block.  Wire the other two switch terminals to the two variable outputs of your transformer.

Use 14 AWG (or heavier) wire for all these connections.  If you need multiple feeders to the outside rails or to any block's center rail, you can wire from one point to another along the track.  There is no need to run a separate "home-run" wire from the transformer.  Since you should have no more than one wire to connect to each transformer terminal, I don't think your terminal strips are going to be of any use.