question what is a buss wire

[thatboy37]

my understanding is that a buss wire is one main wire the runs around the layout and has connection points for for other wires to hook up to it. as in i have one wire hooked up to the ac accessory of my zw and all of my accessories wires can hook up to it at the point where it meets under the table top and is it true if im right about this that it can save you money on wire not needed

[Buckeye Riveter]

I really like the explanation shown on this web page on how to wire a layout.

http://www.mrmuffinstrains.com/wiringandelectronics.htm

[thatboy37]

thanks that helped me a little more to understand what the wire is i think this is the method that i'm going touse for my layout. havent started yet because i'm still waiting on my track plan which has not got here yet but should be here tomorrow. let me try to explain this again in my terms and tell me if i'm right if i run a buss wire around for my accessories i can hook up some if not all my accessories up to that one wire and it should work fine. i'm a little slow so please work with me. i have to go around corners and then back again to get a clear understanding.

[lionelsoni]

Yes, you've got the right idea.  The only thing to watch out for is that the accessories will all be running on the same voltage.  As long as that voltage is correct for all of them, you are okay.

The spelling is actually "bus".  It is the same word as the vehicle that you ride in and is short for "omnibus", which means in Latin "for all".  There is a company named "Bussmann", which makes fuses, which is probably where the extra "s" comes from.  You see "buss" a lot; but, spelled that way, it actually means "kiss"!

[Buckeye Riveter]

This photo may help you.  See the wires in place.  The red and black are the track wires that I tapped into for power.  The other wires are accessories.  I use taps that you find in auto supply stores. 

[thatboy37]

thanks for clearing it up for me now i know that i will have to make sure that i have all the accessories hooked up to the right voltage meaning i will have bus wires for each different voltage.  what gauge wire would you reccommend for my layout which is 464sq ft plus maybe 10sq ft more for a couple sections i added on. i already have 22gauge 4 strand wire to match my remote switche wires which should be ok to run to terminals and connect them instead of crimping or sordering them together. until next time peace.

thatboy37 aka reggie

 

[lionelsoni]

22 AWG may be okay for one or two accessories, but it is a little light for a bus.  Here are approximate ampacities for various wire sizes:

10 AWG 30 amperes

12 AWG 20 amperes

14 AWG 15 amperes

16 AWG 10 amperes

18 AWG 7 amperes

20 AWG 5 amperes

22 AWG 3.5 amperes

24 AWG 2.5 amperes

[Demon09]

I'm thinking of re-doing my entire layout soon too, and I like this idea of a bus wire to reduce the amount of wire attatched to my power pack. 

What guage would be good for making a track bus? I am using an MTH z-1000 with lionel 0-27, and will likely upgrade my layout from a single tier 4x8 to a double tier 5x8 with the upper level roughly 4x8. 

Right now my 4x8 only has a single lock-on and the voltages change the farther it travels from the lock-on.  The idea of the bus and multiple lock-ons should solve that.  In keeping with that idea, should I be OK to do that as long as all the lock-ons are on the same set up? (i.e. as long as the inner rail of a loop is negative and the middle positive for all lock-ons?)

Thanks for your advice.  Hopefully I can start building a layout that looks even a fraction of the way most of the ones i see here are...

[lionelsoni]

See this recent topic:

http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/856791/ShowPost.aspx

[thatboy37]

what i was going to do was have an individual wire for all of my switches ran to a main switch board that has all the switch levers mounted and connect each wire ran to the opposite side of a terminal and the switch lever to the other side of the terminal post. that way i want cross gauges of wires and the result possibly a burnt wire somewhere. both of these wires are 22gauge 4 strand the one i'm running and the one thats already connected to the switch. then i was going to get different color wire all the same gauge but didnt know what would be the recommended gauge to get i want to sick with the same gauge wire on the whole layout but want to make sure the wire can and will withstand the amperes of all my accessories being hooked up.1) basically i want to get the one that will do the job for all but all have different bus wires even though they require different amperes for each accessories. so if one needs 5 amp i will have a bus wire for all 5 amp accessories and so on. 2) or would a 10 gauge bus wire ran around the layout be to much ampage for my accessories that require 5 amps and so on if you know what i mean.  3) even this being that i'm running all of my accessories that have the same ampage off of 1 bus wire would it hurt to have a 10 gauge wire for that and then tap the accessory wire into that wire. i think # 3 ask the ? better but i had to put them all down that way i know i get the question answered to the best of you guys knowledge being i have 3 questions all wordd different but asking the same thing. until next time peace.

thatboy37 aka reggie

[thatboy37]

thanks for that topic referal "lionelsoni" that just answered my post i just responded with. so i will go with bigger wire just to compensate for th multiple tap ins that way i know i have enough power going to the accessories so 10, 12, or 14 gauge should do me just fine but in all different colors. i get to start laying track tomorrow as for my track plan will be here tomorrow. know ires will be ran until i get the whole bottom layer layed out. its a three level layout 2 levels being o scale and 1 n scale which should give me plenty of fun stuff to do for a while which it should take. until next time peace

thatboy37 aka reggie

[trainmasterz]

Good luck today Reggie, I cant wait to see the progress.

Your right on about using the larger bus like they said.  I was directed to stick with around 14 gauge for the track as well.  Since the track itself was estimated @ around 16 gauge.  The wire I was using was a little less maybe that was part of my problem.  That 22 gauge wire that you already have, I wonder if you could use that to run your accessories to a strategically located terminal strip?  That way you can have some room for additions?

And by the way, how come you went with an "n" scale for one of your levels?  Just someting different, for funsakes?

Good luck again,

[thatboy37]

  because i have roughly $25000 worth of n scale trains that include engines, rolling stock, accessories, and track. plus n scale was the first love before my lady convinced me to go with the bigger trains as being it will be easier to handle, work with, and less derailing when i get older or shall i say up in age. plus i want to get my moneys worth out of the little guys some. but here's a inventory list of what i have in n scale and you will see why i wanted a third level just for them. well here goes.

 

Track and Switches
Atlas Code 80 Track				# 2500	503 pieces
Atlas Code 80 Switch Left Manual				# 2702	25
Atlas Code 80 Switch Right Manual				# 2703	39
Atlas Code 80 Switch Left Manual				# 2706	14
Atlas Code 80 Switch Right Manual				# 2707	14
Atlas Code 80 Snap Track Rerailer				# 2532	22 packs
Atlas Code 80 Snap Track Bumper				# 2536	10 packs
Atlas Rail Joiners				# 2535	25 packs
Atlas N Plate Girder Bridge				# 2548	3
Atlas N Deck Truss Bridge				# 2547	9
Atlas N Warren Truss Bridge				# 2546	6
Atlas N Bridge Piers				# 2543	36 packs
Atlas Track Nails				# 2540	2 packs
Atlas Controller				# 220	1
Atlas Selector				# 215	7
Atlas Over n Under Pier Set				# 2541	9
Atlas Viaduct Kit				# 2826	6
Locomotives
Kato NS SD70M #2599				#176-7502	1
Kato NS SD70M #2608				#176-7503	1
Kato NS SD70M #2591				#176-7501	1
Kato BN SD70MAC #9662				#176-6506	1
Kato BN SD70MAC #9647				#176-6503	1
Kato CSX AC4400CW #37				#176-7042	1
Kato CSX AC4400CW #801				#176-5504	2
Kato CP AC4400CW #9532				#176-7214	1
Kato CP AC4400CW #9567				#176-7212	1
Kato CP AC4400CW #9516				#176-7213	1
Kato UP SD90/43MAC #8242				#176-5613	2
Kato BNSF AC4400CW #5615				#176-7112	1
Kato BNSF AC4400CW #5608				#176-7111	1
Kato NS SD80MAC #7213				#176-5506	1
Kato NS SD80MAC #7202				#176-5505	1
Kato CR SD70MAC #4137				#176-6306	1
Kato CR SD70MAC #4133				#176-6305	1
Kato CEFX AC4400CW #1006				#176-7001	1
Atlas KCS GP30 #4117				#47505	1
Atlas KCS GP30 #4109				#47504	1
Atlas CSX GP35 #4346				#46511	3
Atlas BNSF GP30 #2800				#47512	2
Atlas BNSF GP30 #2804				#47513	1
Atlas NS SD60M #6782				#49264	1
Atlas NS GP40-2 #3013				#48639	1
Atlas NS GP40-2 #3021				#48640	1
Atlas SB SD50 #8613				#49311	3
Atlas CSX MP15DC #1146				#52207	1
Atlas Rio Grande GP40 #3131				#48556	2
Atlas Rio Grande GP40 #3141				#48557	2
Atlas KCS SD60 #718				#49028	1
Atlas KCS SD60 #722				#49029	1
Atlas NS Dash8-40B #4814				#48720	2
Atlas BNSF Dash8-40BW #511				#48820	1
Atlas C&NW SD60 #8012				#49004	1
Atlas CSX GP40-2 #6211				#48642	1
Atlas CSX GP40-2 #6218				#48643	1
Atlas CSX GP38 #9664				#49839	2
Atlas CSX SD60M #8783				#49261	2
Atlas LN GP40 #3002				#48526	3
Atlas LN GP40 #3012				#48527	1
Freight
Bachmann 89' Tri-level w/autos				#46502	38
Walthers Double Stack Car				#932-8054	76
Walthers Pulpwood Car				#932-8907	22
Deluxe Innovations Twin Stack 5 Unit Car				#151001	10
Con-Cor Gunderson Car				#0001-603103	6
Con-Cor Gunderson Car				#0001-603101	6
Con-Cor 89' Flat Car				#0001-120601	3
Con-Cor 89' Flat Car				#0001-120606	7
Con-Cor 89' Flat Car				#0001-120602	5
Con-Cor 89' Flat Car				#0001-120604	2
Con-Cor 89' Flat Car				#0001-120603	5
Con-Cor Amtrak Coach Car				#0001-04001j	5
Deluxe Inno NS Coal Hoppers				#120120	50
Deluxe Inno Triple Crown Roadrailer				#180120	50
Kato NS Coalporters				#106-4603	16

 

sorry thelist came out the way it did by taking up so much space but i cut and paste it and this is the way it showed up i tried to edit it to make it shorter but couldn't succeed. hope you like and enjoy the list. but until next time peace.

thatboy37 aka reggie

[trainmasterz]

Wow Reggie

Very impressive.  I can't help but wonder what kind of inventory of "O" gauge you have.  That one will probably even more so.  I am imagining since the majority of the layout is "O".  I cant wait to see it come together.  By the way I have been reading up on the wiring Ill let you know when I come across something usefull.

[thatboy37]

i've posted it before but here it is again just for you. there have been additions since the last update no more rolling stock but more fastrack. i dont think i will a long enough run to put all the cars that i have all on there at one time. so i stopped buying the cars and trying to purchase more track to put the cars on. plus i've been buying the key stuff i need like wire and tmcc stuff to get the whole layout to be wireless.

Amtrak Acela Train Set				# 6-31714	1
Black Diamond Frieght Set				# 6-31993	1
Polar Express				# 6-31960	1
CP Grain Train Set				# 6-31736	1
TMCC & POWER
MTH Z4000 Transformer				# 40-4000	2
Cab-1 Remote Controller				# 6-12868	1
TMCC Command Base				# 6-12911	1
Lionel TMCC Track Power Controller				# 6-14179	1
Lionel TMCC Switch Accessory Controller				# 6-22980	2
BRIDGES
Lionel Truss Bridge w/ Flashers				# 6-12772	2
MTH Steel Arch Bridge				# 40-1013	1
Lionel Covered Bridge				# 6-24117	1
Model Power High Truss Bridge				# 6095	1
Cedar Falls Truss Bridge				# 3060	1
K-Line Fisherman On Bridge				# K42402	1
MTH Girder Bridge				# 40-1014	1
Lionel Drawbridge				# 6-14173	1
K-Line Operating Swing Bridge				# K42439	1
FAIR CARNIVAL
Lionel The Scrambler				# 6-24179	1
Lionel Pirate Ship Ride				# 6-14171	1
Lionel Kiddie City Toy				# 6-34129	1
Lionel Carousel				# 6-34190	1
Lionel Park Swing Ride				# 6-14170	1
Lionel Hot Air Balloon Ride				# 6-24177	1
Lionel Test O Strength				# 6-24161	1
Lionel Camel Race Game				# 6-34159	1
Lionel Balancing Man				# 6-24172	1
Lionel Playtime Playground				# 6-24138	1
Lionel Franks Hotdog Stand				# 6-14160	1
Lionel Playground Swing				# 6-14199	1
Lionel Operating Ferris Wheel				# 6-14110	1
Lionel Duck Shooting Gallery				# 6-24139	1
Lionel Cotton Candy Stand				# 6-14231	1
K-Line Suzy's Ice Cream Stand				# 43042	1
K-Line Joe's Burger Stand				# 43041	1
Lionel Ring Toss Game				# 6-34158	1
MTH A&W Rootbeer Stand				# 30-9068	1
FASTRACK & EXTRA TRACK
Lionel Fastrack 30" Section				# 6-012042024	182
Lionel 072 WYE Remote Switch				# 6-12047	13
Lionel 072 Left Hand Remote Switch				# 6-12048	6
Lionel 072 Right Hand Remote Switch				# 6-12049	4
Lionel Fastrack Accessory Activator				# 6-12029	2
Lionel Fastrack Uncoupling Track				# 6-12020	8
Lionel Fastrack Grade Crossing				# 6-12036	6
Lionel Fastrack Grade Crossing w/ Flashers				# 6-12052	1
Lionel Fastrack Terminal Section				# 6-12016	15
Lionel Fastrack Transition Piece				# 6-12040	16
Lionel Fastrack Earthen Bumpers				# 6-12059	3
Lionel Fastrack 036 1/4" Curve				# 6-?????	28
Lionel Insulating Track Pins				# 6-65543	1
10" Track Piece				# 4960	29
5" Track Piece				# 4961	3
Lionel Fastrack 4.5" Inch Track				# 6-?????	10
Lionel Fastrack 072 Curve Track				# 6-?????	114
Lionel Fastrack 060 Curve Track				# 6-?????	104
Lionel Fastrack 048 Curve Track				# 6-?????	66
Lionel Fastrack 036 Curve Track				# 6-?????	10
Lionel Fastrack Graduated Trestle				# 6-12037	6
Lionel Fastrack Elevated Trestle				# 6-12038	12
TRANSFER TABLE & EXTENSION PIECE
Lionel 350 engine Transfer Table				# 6-14113	1
Lionel 350 Transfer Table Ext Piece				# 6-14114	1
TURNTABLE & ROUNDHOUSE
Atlas Turntable				# 6910	1
Atlas Roundhouse Kit				# 6904	2
5 Stall Wooden Roundhouse Kit				# 1000	1
COALING UNITS
K-Line 3 Bay Unloading Station				# -41411	1
Lionel 3 Piece Coaling Station				# 6-22936	1
Lionel Operating Coal Loader				# 6-14004	1
Lionel Electric Coal Elevator				# 6-32921	1
Bachmann Coaling Station				# 45301	1
LOCOMOTIVES, DUMMY LOCOMOTIVS & MAINTENANCE CARS
Lionel C.P. SD-90				# 6-18271	1
Lionel CSX Dash 9-44 CW				# 6-18283	1
Lionel N.S. SD80Mac				# 6-28240	3
Lionel C.N. Dash 9-44 CW				# 6-18287	2
MTH C.N. RS-3 Non-Power				# 30-2410-3	1
MTH N.S. Non-Power SD60				# 20-2449-3	1
Lionel U.P. Ballast Tamper				# 6-18490	2
Lionel Dodge Inspection Truck				# 6-18484	1
Lionel CSX Rail Bonder				# 6-28406	1
CABOOSES
Lionel C.N. Ext Vision Caboose				# 6-17659	1
MTH CSX Ext Vision Caboose				# 20-91118	1
AIRPORT & TERMINALS
Lionel Airport Hanger				# 6-12951	2
Bachmann Airport Terminal				# 45985	1
K-Line Aviation Fighter Jets				# 43270	8
FREIGHT
Government of Canada Cylindrical Hopper				# 6-27113	12
C.N. Ore Car w/o load				# 6-6126	7
K-Line Die Cast 2 Bay Hopper				# 6254-1251	23
Atlas Die Cast 2 Bay Hopper				# 6440-2	10
Lionel Die Cast 2 Bay Hopper				# 6-17058	55
K-Line TTAX 2 Pack Spine Car				# K77023	3
Lionel TTUX 2 Pack Spine Car				# 6-16363	13
Lionel Polar Express Diner Car				# 6-25134	1
Lionel Polar Express Baggage Car				# 6-25135	1
C.N. Roadrailer				# 87023	5
C.N. Roadrailer				# 87018	9
Couplermate				# 87000	1
INTERMODAL ACCESSORIES
Lionel Intermodal Crane				# 6-12741	1
Lionel Tractor Trailor				# 6-29271	9
Lionel 3 Pack Intermodal Containers				# 6-12855	13
Lionel Trailor Frame				# 6-12852	14
FIGURES
Lionel Accessory Pack				# 6-24197	2
Lionel Carnival People Pack				# 6-24124	2
Lionel Railroad Yard People Pack				# 6-24193	1
Life-Like Benches				# 6058	2
Life-Like Walking Figures				# 6178	2
Life-Like Fat People				# 6062	2
Life-Like People Walking				# 1856	2
Model Power Deer				# 6177	3
Life-Like Railroad People				# 1862	2
Life-Like People Standing				# 1855	2
Life-Like City People				# 1854	2
Life-Like People				# 1861	2
Life-Like People Sitting				# 1857	2
TRAINYARD ACCESSORIES & SIGNALS
MTH Yard Master Tower				# 30-11027	2
MTH Pennsy Signal Bridge				# 30-11030	1
Lionel Double Floodlight Tower				# 6-24103	1
Lionel Yard Lights				# 6-12927	1
Lionel Diesel Fueling Station				# 6-14156	1
Lionel Die Cast Cantilever				# 6-22931	1
Lionel Pedestrian Walkover & Speed Sensor				# 6-14082	1
Lionel Street Lamps				# 6-24156	5
Life-Like Spotlights				# 1628	4
MTH Tell Tale				# 30-11026	1
MTH Fuel/Water Column Set				# 30-11037	1
U.P. Operating Car Painting Acces				# K-42434	1
TRACK MAINTENANCE & CLEANING
Lionel Lube/Maint Kit				# 6-62927	2
Centerline Rail Cleaner				# 0-1	1
Lionel Track Cleaner				# 6-18461	1
Lionel Railer				# 6-?????	1
EXTRAS
Lionel S.F. Railroad Tugboat				# 6-24109	1
Lionel Oil Field w/ Bubble Tubes				# 6-24112	1
Red & Grey Window Passenger Station				# 30-9014	1
Lionel Camel Race Game				# 6-34159	1
Lionel Franks Hotdog Stand				# 6-14160	2

 

until next time peace.

thatboy37 aka reggie