layout wiring

[Anonymous]

I'm getting ready to wire my first layout (YEAH!!)--a 2 X 4 N-scale shelf-style layout--and have a couple of questions. I've read several books/articles on wiring, but for someone who is unfamilar with electrical terms and gadgets, it can still be confusing. I will be doing standard 2-rail block wiring, using SPDTs and DPDTs to power various blocks as needed. Should I run a "bus" wire from my power pack, feed each switch, then in turn run from each switch to its respective block...OR should/could I use a terminal strip in place of a bus? If not, what is a terminal strip used for? Thanks for your help.

[Jetrock]

Use a terminal strip, rather than a bus wire. This keeps wiring and troubleshooting much simpler. Each cab runs to a terminal strip, and two posts from each terminal position go to each side of a DPDT switch--the center two posts on the DPDT go to the track. Thus, you can choose which cab will control which block via the DPDT switch, or "turn off" the block by leaving the switch in the center.

At least I *think* that's how it's done...

[Anonymous]

I use a terminal strip. It's easier to keep wires separate and as Jetrock said it helps in trouble shooting. Also if you want to change something later - no problem.

[ndbprr]

This isn't your question but I would not use SPDT switches for anything. Radio Shack sells some realy nice minature DPDT center off switches that I use for nearly everything. they fit esily in track diagrams on panels and give you the advantage of being able to isolate a section of track or a block completely so you can tunr the power off completely to that section.