Hi all.
I started to add staging below the main deck. I know, I know ,that's bass ackwards!
Can I drop feeders from the main bus above to staging below the main deck? Or, do I continue running the bus under staging benchwork then connect feeders? I'd like to save on the main bus wire if I can.
Thanks in advance!
Terry
Terry in NW Wisconsin
Queenbogey715 is my Youtube channel
Terry, of course you could drop feeders.
My concerns would be:-
1. Length of feeders
2. Practical issues regarding wires being in the way for access
3. The desire to have independent blocks for either detection, or simply power districts, keeping the staging separated from the main.
If it were me (and it will be soon, because like you I want to add some under layout staging after the event) I would run the bus under the staging.
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
Thanks Simon.
#1 would be about 8-10".
#2 didn't occur to me as a problem till now.
#3I'd have access to all staging.
The actual yard(staging ) is going to be under here:
which is in the SW corner of my 42'x30' basement. Basically, I'll end up with one BIG circle as the staging will connect at both ends. I'm guessing I'll need a booster soon ,too! It'll have a 40-45' run to lose elevation to staging. Can I tap off the overhead bus run with a new bus for the lower level then add my feeders?
Thanks!
Nice layout, Terry!
Yes, you can use a terminal, or bare insulation and wrap the bared end of your new bus anywhere around the first bus...and solder. However, if you are using anything thinner than about 16 gauge, you may need that booster. Test as you go along adding feeders down the line. The test would be the quarter test across the rails with your DCC control station powered up.
14 gauge bus would probably not need a booster, even for the length you mention. Just keep them feeders really short, and run them to the rails about every 5-6 feet, and you should have decent power and shorts detection in your circuit.
-Crandell
You could extend the buss down to the lower section and install a circuit breaker and isolate the inbound tracks. That way when you short the yard it will not kill the layout. You can run the buss in the corner to under the yard. Against the wall in a corner would be easy to hide 2 wires.
Pete
P.S. Looks great so far.
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
Thanks ,guys! I 'm grateful for the responses. I kind of figured I was on the right "track", but wanted to be sure. I'll drop bus wires and hook up feeders.
The "yard" will only be a double track through line with a few crossovers for run arounds. NB trains become SB trains and and vice versa. I'll need to switch waybills and engine consists, but that's the plan.
Crandell, I use 14 gauge bus and 20 gauge feeders.
Pete, the CB is a great idea!
I just finished installing an 8 gauge feeder and it was cheaper than 12 romex. I went to an electrical supply house and picked up bare copper wire used for cold water grounding. It costed 14 bucks for 60 feet single strand.I ran the 2 strands about 4-6 inches apart and soldered feeders right onto it, no stripping or splicing of the bus is needed. It runs under the mainline.
Springfield PA