Running bus wires

[plord]

I have a small layout that is basically a loop 16 x 4. I run DC and one locomotive. I soldered all the track joints and for insurance dropped feeders from each major segment of track. If I run bus wires, how do they go? Do I run a loop from the power supply,out around the layout and back to the power supply, or do I run bus wires out to a couple spots on the layout, or do I run the bus wires out and around but not reconnected to the power supply?

[daveklepper]

Doesn't this belong on a model railroad forum?  I thought you were going to discuss bussing third rail or catenary power between mu cars or between two electric locomotives in multiple to reduce arcing at power gaps/   Fopr those that are interested, some interurban lines and the original Reading mu's had spring contactors centered at the roof ends, and these show up in the photographs, to bus catenary power along the length of the train.   Thus the trailer cars were suppled with electricity, and they did not have pantographs.   Other railroads and interurban lines used jumper cables between cars, like between a diesel switcher and a slug.

[gandydancer19]

I have a small layout that is basically a loop 16 x 4. I run DC and one locomotive. I soldered all the track joints and for insurance dropped feeders from each major segment of track. If I run bus wires, how do they go? Do I run a loop from the power supply,out around the layout and back to the power supply, or do I run bus wires out to a couple spots on the layout, or do I run the bus wires out and around but not reconnected to the power supply?

This is a wiring / electronics question, and I think this is the correct section.

If all you have is a DC layout, any of your choices will work. If you are going to switch this layout to DCC later on, the third option would work best.

However, if you are going to stay with DC, you will need to (or should, for maximum operation possibilities) setup blocks for control and isolation of various tracks.  This is called Cab Control.  If this is the case, the track and power pack wires generally run to a control panel and through the block switches first, then to the different track sections.  And, since you asked this question, it sounds like you should get a layout wiring book if you are truly going to use DC Cab Control, as it is more complicated than wiring for DCC.

[larak]

Well said.

Also, there have been lots of posts about this subject. Drive yourself crazy and use the search function . You will be indunated with information.

And yes this question DOES belong here. Happy wiring!

[plord]

I did post it undermodel railroads but the people who run this thing moved it here and sent me an email that it was moved here. Anyway thanks to the others who gave me info, and sorry I never think about the search function (I only post about two posts a year.....)

[modelmaker51]

You should hang out here more often!

[retsignalmtr]

run a pair of wires along the 16' length of your layout. then attach the feeders to it. there is no need to create a power loop. if you decide later to break up the track into blocks it will be easy to route the feeders to a bank of toggle switches near your power pack. you could use a piece of romex electrical wire. it comes with two wires plus a bare ground wire which you won't use. it'll be either 14 awg or 12 awg size. where you want to attach a feeder you just skin off the outer jacket then skin the individual wires to solder the feeders to. be sure to stagger the feeders so you will not have the taps next to each other to avoid shorts then use plastic electrical tape or the liquid electrical tape to paint the connections.