HELP!!!

[Anonymous]

Hello!! I am building an 8 x 22 basement layout called the Colorado & New Mexico Lines. I have two questions. Since I want to have DC power, I was wondering what type of power I should have? I have a RailPower pack, but I was thinking of getting an MRC walk around throttle w/ memory. My other question is, will Atlas Terminal joiners work for the blocks w/ the SPDT switches? Thanks for your info.
Zach
d:-D
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[Anonymous]

Hi Zach,

With a layout that big, and depending on the number of trains you want to run at the same time, you may find that DCC is cheaper. By the time you get all the (electrical) switches, the wire, the multiple powerpacks, you probably could have a starter DCC system like the Atlas or Digitrax Zephyr.

However, MRC Tech powerpacks are solid performers, so if you want to go that route, that is my recommendation. You will need one for each train that will run at the same time.

Terminal joiners will work to deliver the power to the track, just as any wire would. But they are kind of expensive when you can just solder wires to the outside of the rails. It is a relatively straightforward process.

Hope that is helpful.

Andrew

[Anonymous]

I have an 11X32 foot shelf layout and have wired it simply with with 2 throttles, only one is on a 15' cable for now, and using Atlas selectors! Not very sophisticated but i had a bunch of them from my younger days and wanted to get the trains running quickly. Well wouldn't you know that they work quite well and since I usually operate alone I don't need to run sevral trains at the same time. I can run two! So I have incorprated them into the fascia with track diagrams and it has come out looking very neat and tidy! And very functional and easy to trouble shoot too. I think the main question would be is whether you mainly plan on running alone or with a group. Alone, the simple method I described is great, if you plan on major operating sessions, go with the DCC.

[snowey]

ssince you're new, get a copy of the book "EASY MODEL RAILROAD WIRING" by Andy Sperandeo, published by Kaalmbbach. This book is great! It aanswers ALL your questions in easy-to-understand text, drawings, & photographs.
Kalmbach bookks are readily availible online from a number of dealers, at your LHS (Local Hobby Shop), or from Kalmbachs web site at:

WWW.KALMBACCH.COM/BOOKS

[IRONROOSTER]

NMRA has a beginners section - http://www.nmra.org/beginner/ - that has subsections on wiring. With SPDT switches you do what is called common rail wiring where only one rail is insulated (except for reversing loops and wyes). The switch enables you to switch an insulated section of track between two power packs. This means that you can run just two trains. You can do more using rotray switches. You can also isolate sections of the layout such as the yard with their own power pack. A book such as above will probably be a great help.
Enjoy
Paul