Newbie o-guage 3rail layout question

[Anonymous]

All,
I have just gotten into the model railroading hobby w/ my 3 sons. I have a 3-rail O guage layout around the top of their bedroom (12'x18'). It is a two oval layout w/ 4 switches to allow the trains to switch tracks. I am now in the process of trying to figure out the best way to wire the layout. Since I don't have much experience w/ this I wanted to see if anyone had suggestions on where to place decouplers, insulators, etc. that would best use the design. I have a diagram that I drew if you would like to take a look.

Bryce
[e-mail]

PS. I am trying to fini***his by Christmas. They currently have only a single engine so they manually switch the engine. I just bought them, on Ebay, a Lionel CSX SD-80 (model 18296) and would like to have it all working for them.

[Anonymous]

E-mail me the pic and I will see if I can help.
[e-mail]

[clinchfieldfan]

Bryce,
Welcome to the forum. I wasn't able to access the drawing but the simpliest way to wire the layout is to run a heavy gauge wire underneath the layout. One for the ground and another for the hot. About every six or eight feet (or every four track joints) attach feeder wires to your track. This will work for conventional control, if you eventually want to run in command mode its recommended that you run power to terminal blocks and run feeder wires from the blocks to the track. As for insulators just insulate the center rail between your crossover switches. This way you will be able to run two trains independently. As for uncouplers just put them where you want, if you have accessories put them near them. I would recommend 16 gauge wire for the feeders and 12 gauge for the "loop" wire. If you need more info just place a post, there are a great bunch of people on the forum willing to help.

The main thing is to have fun and let the boys help.