regarding wiring

[sully57]

I plan to soon embark on this hobby, in HO scale, I think. I was reading some of the forum topics, and noticed "pacificnortherns"s question on circuitry for switches, etc. The responses to his query talked about a different circuit for this, a different circuit for that. For my own clarity - when referring to individual circuits here, are we talking about lines coming from somekind of electric panel? Or are we talking about 110 AC in the wall. As a youngster, I think we had a few layouts, with both transformers tapping off of a single house 110 (15 amp) circuit. So, for my planned layout (nothing too elaborate), is it recommended to have more than one dedicated 15 amp circuit to get everything running smoothly, including any accessories? I haven't a clue. thanx.

[IRONROOSTER]

I think the context here is separate power supplies with each power supply (power pack) being a "circuit". Unless the total power draw is greater than 15 amps, one house circuit is fine (remember to add in non model railroad appliances, lights, etc. that are on that house circuit). The reason for using separate power supplies is to avoid an engine slowdown when you hit the remote switch for the switch machine on your turnout. A separate power supply for lights and accessories keeps them from dimming when hitting the remote. Separation also helps prevent overloading a power pack . A high quality, heavy duty power pack may avoid some of these problems without having separate packs in which case you run multiple circuits off multiple connections on the back of the power pack.. Read the manufacture's literature and ask questions at your local hobby shop. You might want to consult a book on model railroad wiring for more information and diagrams.
Enjoy
Paul

[ndbprr]

all control starts with 110 volts from a typical wall socket. Sound like you earlier experience may have been Lionel that ran on AC stepped down to 16 volts through a transformer. HO is DC and is a little different in that the Ac is converted to Dc before being sent to the rails. Engines are reversed by reversing the current on the rails not through an internal reversing unit. Most HO engines draw about 1 amp or less. Lights in buildings draw a lot more and add up fast. A 15 amp breaker should prove just fine initially. If it starts popping you can have an electrician add on a special breaker box for the railroad and break up the circuits relatively easily.