8x4 layout wireing question

[ondrek]

Ok, i understand if I am told this topic should be cotained in the "General wiring question" thread....But its not and here's why: that one is specificly for a large DCC layout that is much more compex than mine.

I have a 4x8 layout plan. http://www.vermontel.net/~kevin_ondre/HO%20Train/CMVTRR7_4x8.jpg

I have already started laying track which is no problem.
I am currently running DC I dont know if i will ever go to DCC but if i do, I would like to be semi ready.
The layout is 36ft of track TOTAL, that includes the spur, and the small yard.

Do I really need a Power Bus running along under with feeders every say 3 feet to the rails? I am using a mixture of flex track and soldered sectionals. i only have 8 turnouts. the layout runs just fine right now using only one feeder.

Should i do multiple feeders? will it help anything in DC mode? how about future possible DCC mode?

thanks

Kevin

[Anonymous]

Do you NEED, no.... Should you? Yes.... Even with DC wire conducts electricity a lot better than the track.... I'm gathering since your DC you're only running one train if you only have 1 feeder....

[SpaceMouse]

With a 4x8 you don't need a bus, you should still attatch every 3-4 feet. On my 4x8 it was a matter of 3 runs strategically placed.

[selector]

For several years now I have built a substantial Christmas On30 temporary track, and oval about 10' down the major axis. I have only ever used one power feed to one terminal track, and can assert that I have not encountered any problems anywhere on that 26' of EZ-Track. The loco pulls up to 10 combo/pax cars without missing a beat.

[Jacktal]

Minor power losses are mostly unnoticed as they translate in slight speed variations or slightly less powerful engine.These losses become more significant when you try running more locos and/or longer trains.Power losses DON'T always translate in engine stalling and failure to restart.

As wisely stated before,you don't have but should.It all depends on the level of reliability you expect from your layout.A loco can only run as good as the power it has to run with.

No matter how big or small the layout is,electrical principles remain the same although power losses are more likely to happen on bigger ones.If your layout runs great on DC,it will run just as fine with DCC,with the difference that breaking your layout in "power blocks" will not be required anymore.You simply replace your power supply by the DCC one and enjoy running trains.However,you'll then need a section of track that can be isolated from the rest for programming purposes but you'll have the instructions with your DCC system telling you how to proceed when time comes.

[Janafam]

A good rule of thumb is to build in some reserve. While you may be running one or possibly two trains in DC, in the future you may want to go to DCC with multiple engines. Build in the reserve (feeders) for the future. One end of the spectrum is to put a feeder on each flex track section. If you solder sections, you may get away with a feeder for each soldered section. As already stated in other comments, supplying a good power source reduces the operational headaches.

[rolleiman]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Janafam

.... As already stated in other comments, supplying a good power source reduces the operational headaches.

Including those caused by slightly dirty track.. You can go ahead and run the main as all one solid rail with one set of feeders but I would also install feeders on each yard track as well as the one spur you have.. It won't be that much extra work in the beginning but will be a pain in the rear to go back and do it later when those turnouts begin to cause problems (and they will) due to dirt.

Jeff

[ondrek]

Everyone has given me great advice.

I will do feeders every 3ish feet.

I will also put feeders on the ends of my spurs, all of them.

Thanks everyone

Kevin