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Track Power

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  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: North Coastal San Diego
  • 947 posts
Posted by Greg Elmassian on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 11:55 PM

Really depends on the current you are drawing and the length of the run.

I would never use anything under 14 gauge, even a couple of volts drop makes a significant difference in loco speed.

I run heavy trains up steep grades. 10 gauge did the trick, 12 was a little light. About 850 feet, SS with SS split jaw clamps, feeders about every 30 feet.

Greg

Visit my site: http://www.elmassian.com - lots of tips on locos, rolling stock and more.

 Click here for Greg's web site

 

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Shire Counties UK
  • 712 posts
Posted by two tone on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 4:28 AM

Hi Greg,   I was thinking of using the same cable that came with the track the red/blue its quite a thick one, is this what you would use.

                          Two Tone

                Age is only a state of mind, keep the mind active and enjoy life

  • Member since
    January 2004
  • 103 posts
Posted by Dick Friedman on Tuesday, July 17, 2012 2:34 PM

What they said!Whistling A simple jumper from the first connection to the second will be sufficient.  I use low voltage lighting wire (16 gauge not solid wire).  It has a smooth insulation on one wire and a ribbed on the other.  Make sure the same one is connected to the same rail, else bad things happen.

  • Member since
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  • From: North Coastal San Diego
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Posted by Greg Elmassian on Tuesday, July 17, 2012 2:10 PM

The gauge of wire is important (as well as good connections at each end).

How many locos in the train and are there any lighted cars?

The heavier gauge wire, the better, but cost can be a factor.

Greg

Visit my site: http://www.elmassian.com - lots of tips on locos, rolling stock and more.

 Click here for Greg's web site

 

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: North, San Diego Co., CA
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Posted by ttrigg on Monday, July 16, 2012 4:07 AM

Like Paul said:

Camaro1967
  . Be sure to keep the polarity correct. 

Paul

Just tap into your current feeder wires and lay out an extension. I have power points about every 100 foot of rail. That way no engine is ever more than 50 foot from power, may be a bit of overkill, but it works for me.

Tom Trigg

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: Ivins Utah
  • 190 posts
Posted by Camaro1967 on Sunday, July 15, 2012 9:28 AM

All you need to do is put a jumper wire across your layout from the source, to the furthest point.  That should take care of it. Be sure to keep the polarity correct.

Paul

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Shire Counties UK
  • 712 posts
Track Power
Posted by two tone on Sunday, July 15, 2012 7:17 AM

Hi Folks im in the UK my layout is about 450 feet long with passing loops ive noticed that im getting power drop at the farthest poit from track input, can any one recomend how many extra feeds should I put in.  Do I need to take the new input from my power supply or can I take it from the input point at the track?Smile

                Age is only a state of mind, keep the mind active and enjoy life

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