DCC wiring delimma

[tstage]

I have a question that I think I already know the answer to. I am currently running DC on my 4 x 8' layout, with the serious consideration of adding DCC within the next 6 months or so. At the moment, I am only running two simple wires to power the track from my transformer.

I'm very close to finalizing my layout design. My question is this: Can I go ahead and wire the layout up for DCC, as if I WERE going to run DCC (i.e. using the same wire guages for the busses and feeders), but still run it on DC until I can afford to shell out the bucks for my DCC system? Or, should I just wait till I purchase the DCC system then start wiring it up?

Also, is there anything I need to be concerned about or aware of while wiring things up? The layout is a continuous loop with a five track yard and two servicing tracks.

Thanks for the info. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!...

Tom

[Anonymous]

Well, assuming you aren't going to set up blocks for DC, then you should be able to just switch over to DCC.
Reed

[tstage]

Reed,

Nope, no blocks. One of the main reasons why I want to run DCC. I will divide the layout into power blocks or sectors but only for isolating shorts, if and when they happen.

Tom

[cacole]

All you need to do is connect the DCC system to the two wires you now use for DC power, and you should be fine.

[Pennsy58]

I wired my 4x8 layout for dcc before going to it. I ran two 12 gauge wires about 8 inches in from the edge around the underside of the platform in a U shape. Then ran 16 gauge wires about every three feet or less as feeders to the track. The feeders are soldered to the underside of the rails between ties. I powered with a regular DC transformer until I was ready to switch over.

As far as cautions, you only have to make sure that you do not wire a short. I.E. left wire must always go to left rail, and vise versa.

Would recommend that you take one of the yard tracks or service tracks and have it isolated from the rest of the layout to use as your programming track. The power to my programming track runs through a DPDT switch so that when I throw the switch to programming commands are only sent to this section of track.

[raynbecky]

Pennsy58 gave you some great advice here. I would recommend his advice as well however I did use 18 guage wire so it would be easier to solder to the track. ;>