does it matter which rail on a two rail track is a or b with d c c ? and with dcc, is it neccessary to have insulated turnouts or joiners. Thanks lots
I'm pretty sure it dosn't matter which rail is rail A or B. As far as insulated turnouts or joiners, that all depends on your layout. Be sure to get a second opinion, I'm definitely not an expert on the subject. I'm only studying dcc to see if I actually want to make the switch, DC block wiring on my layout!!
good luck,
Jamie
Cape Vincent Southern Railroad
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On my home layout and on my clubs three layouts i wired them so the outside rail is A and the inside rail is B. Easy to remember. Also used black wire for A rail and white wire for B rail. Insulfrog switches don't need insulated rail joiners. If you want to make power blocks,cut gaps where you want them with a dremmel or razor saw. Then using CA glue in small pieces of styreen. Then file to the rail shape.
DCC doesn't require insulated rail joiners per se. But anywhere you needed tham for DC to avoid a short, you will need them for DCC.
You can use power routing turnouts with insulated joiners for DCC. Where there is sometimes a problem is if the back of the wheel touches the unused point as it goes through the turnout causing a short. This can happen if your wheels are not in gauge, there is too much side to side play, or the points are spread too wide..
Use whatever wiring designations work for you to not wire a short circuit. I always test my wiring after each connection so I know where to look if there's a problem. On my current layout, which is a simple walk around, my designation is black wire for rail closest to aisle. But that might not work for your setup.
Enjoy
Paul