Terminal strips,what size in, what size out?

[Anonymous]

I am beginning to do the major wiring on my N scale layout and after reading the many threads on the different type of connectors I have decided to go with terminal strips to supply my ac accessories and turnouts. My layout is based on the Scenic Ridge layout, but modified to include a yard with 8 switches and two sidings.

My question is this: What size wire to do I use as a feed to the terminal strip from the power supply and what size to use for the feeder wires? I have already decided to run feeder wires for my DCC to several different areas to prevent voltage drop, but wanted to be sure of the wire sizes before beginning.

The layout is still under going construction but I am ready to begin the urban section of my layout and wanted to get help with the many street lights and interior lighting that I have planned. I also purchased an MRC Tech 4 prior to getting my Digitrax Zephyr so, I plan on using it to power the ACC stuff and switches. Is this enough or should I use a seperate supply for each?

[mls1621]

I'm modelling in N scale too, my layout in in the shape of an L 10' X 14".

I have three modules, 7' X 3', bolted together to form the L.

I used terminal strips to distribute power and accessory voltage.

For the track power, DCC, I used 14 gauge single strand wire to feed the terminal strips. The track feeders are 22 gauge single strand wire. The runs from the terminals to the track are short, and the smaller wire is easier to hide at the solder joints to the rails.

For the powered turnouts, I used smaller wire, as AC is more consistent over longer runs than DC, and the turouts work fine. The only powered turnouts I have are in the staging yard, not in view, and I used Atlas swicthes and motors.

All the turnouts on the visible part of the layout are Micro Engineering # 6 with manual ground throws at the edge of the layout operating the turnouts with piano wire running through brass tubing.

I hope this helps.

Mike
St Louis

[mls1621]

Further note: I'm doing the same as you, using my original power supply to handle the accessories. It works fine, more than enough power for that purpose.

Mike
St Louis

[mls1621]

I really should have read your whole post before imparting wisdom.

Use the DC out put of your power supply for the lighting. Put a meter on the output and adjust the throttle to the desired votage. This will protect the bulbs and allow you to set the brightness to make it look the way you like.

Last post, I promise.

Mike
St Louis

[dave9999]

Mike,
Keep posting! I had similar questions. Should I use the same gauge wires that you mentioned above for HO? Thanks Dave

[mls1621]

Dave

You can use the same wire gauges for HO. The voltage and amperage demands are similar for both scales. Digitrax decoders are 1 amp for both. My hobby shop owner is using the N gauge power letting to run his HO gauge layout. The track power output for N is just over 12 volts.

I used Micro Engineering Code 70 flex track for the visible portions of my layout and Atlas Code 80 for the hidden main and staging.

The 22 gauge wire is big enough to carry the track voltage for short runs from the terminal strip to the track, no more than two feet in my case, and small enough to blend in with the side of the rail at the point of connection.

As mentioned in my first post, my layout is made up of three 7' X 3' modules. I put one terminal strip on each module, connected to the Digitrax DCS100 by 14 gauge single strand wire. The same gauge wire runs between the terminal srtips to jumper power to each module.

The terminal strips I used have 14 segments. I used bridges to connect the segments, 7 for rail A and 7 for rail B on each module.

All feeder wires were soldered to the rails, I used Red for rail A and Green for rail B, then crimped and soldered eyelets to the other end for connection to the terminal strip.

The eyelets allow connection of several feeder wires to each position on the strip. I have 6 staging tracks and 2 mains that run around the back, hidden, part of the layout.

All of the hidden trackage runs along the back of all three modules and each module's terminal strip routes power its track. Rail joints between the modules aren't soldered, to allow separation if necessary.

This was alot of work, but it insures consistent track power around the layout.

Hope I didn't rant on for too long.

Mike
St Louis