Hey everyone,
I'm relatively new to DCC model railroading. I'm 16 and I just finished building my first large DCC-run layout. The layouts I've built before have all been 4x8 DC operations that only required one little power supply to power the two concentric loops of track. The current layout is a bit bigger: it's a horse-shoe with overall dimensions of 9x8 (it dominates my room). I know what I'm doing with regards to layout construction and operation, but I don't know how to even begin to wire it. I have 25' of track in the small yard alone, and I know one power supply just won't cut it. So, my questions are these:
1. How often should I put feeder wires to the tracks, and to what should I hook them up? Please note that I have very little experience with wiring.
2. I have one NCE Power Cab. Will this be able to control one or two trains across the entire layout? If it's of any relevance, there well be about 80' of track total.
Thanks for any help. It is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Chris
What scale are you building in? Also what type of track are you using? Sectional - Flex- Kato?
A Power Cab should be able to run at least two locomotives reguardless of HO or N scale.
Feeders should power every 3 feet of track, if flex. Use 22 gauge wire for your feeders, and keep them short. Wire to your buss line which should be 14 gauge or larger depending on the size of your layout.
Hey Cris
I run a Power Cab on my layout and it's all I ever need. The track is twice around with a switching yard and a shorter loop. It measure 30' by 5'. I can run 5 sound locos by them selves. Make up a double header train with 10 - 14 cars and a switcher doing it's thing you will still have power. That's with modern sound engines because older engines may be power hogs.I have seen 6 none sound engines run all the way around a loop at least a 100' foot long on one side, all powered by one Power Cab.Trying to run more trains on a layout of this size is like trying to direct traffic on the expressway at rush hour.A nice buss of of 12 to 14 gauge stranded wire with power drops ever 3' or 4' feet would do nicely.
Just my thoughts.
Have fun.
Lee
Chris:
Check out Alan Gartner's "Wiring for DCC" site at http://www.wiringfordcc.com/. He has a lot of information there that will help you as you proceed. Good luck and have fun.
Joe
It's H0, and I'm using Atlas Flextrack.Thanks for the info, I found it quite useful.