dcc bus

[selector]

I would think that the far greater and more direct relationship that one should concern oneself with when it comes to buses and layouts is the linear feet of trackage that must be powered.  You could theoretically have hundreds of feet of track to power in the right circumstances on a 'small' layout, but unless you wired it up correctly, you could expect severe problems with voltage losses.

Depending on the orientation of the track elements, a bus should be considered for trackage longer than about 30'.  It might be simple, like a T, with the tops running right and left for only 6', but you would be assured of good voltage for several feet beyond the farthest reach of that simple and small bus if the 20 gauge feeders were kept to 3' or less.

On a folded loop where each half-loop comprises 20' of rails, you would definitely profit from a bus.  And that is what would be found on many small layouts.

[jagnut]

thank you  my problem is solved

[tbdanny]

jagnut,

Firstly,  to the forums.

With regards to your query, IIRC, Model Railroader once defined a 'small layout' as being anything under 100 square feet.   E.g. my layout, at 4' x 9.5' (38 square feet) would be considered a 'small layout'.

From your query, I'm gathering that you're having problems with running DCC-equipped locomotives on your layout, and are wondering if the DCC bus may be at fault?  Is this correct?  If you can provide as many details about the problem as possible, this would allow us to provide you with a more specific/useful answer.

[jagnut]

I amtrying to run more trais with little success.  however there seems to be a relationship between small and large layouts.....what is a small layout ? I am asking  because what I read in the dcc publications there is reference made to small and large layouts but no dimensions are are provided.