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Adding to the track bus

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  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Flushing,Michigan
  • 822 posts
Adding to the track bus
Posted by HaroldA on Monday, March 1, 2010 4:29 PM

There have probably been posts on this before and I did do a search but when I hit the the 175th old post and didn't find an answer I decided to raise the question again.

I am adding a 12 x 5 extension on my layout and need to splice into the existing track bus for the addition.  What is the recommended way to do this understanding that the ends of the existing bus are taped to a riser.

Thanks

There's never time to do it right, but always time to do it over.....

  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: Oak Harbor Wa.
  • 148 posts
Posted by Sierra Man on Monday, March 1, 2010 4:48 PM


Right off hand, you could just solder the two ends together. Maybe use suitcase clamps. I use buss bars for my entire layout. Main feed goes through and track sections are routed to them. I try to keep the track feeders less than 18in or so. Haven't  had a problem in 4 yrs.

Phil, CEO, Eastern Sierra Pacific Railroad.  We know where you are going, before you do!

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Flushing,Michigan
  • 822 posts
Posted by HaroldA on Monday, March 1, 2010 4:51 PM

Sierra Man

 


Right off hand, you could just solder the two ends together. Maybe use suitcase clamps. I use buss bars for my entire layout. Main feed goes through and track sections are routed to them. I try to keep the track feeders less than 18in or so. Haven't  had a problem in 4 yrs.

Thanks Phil - that was my plan but just wanted to be sure there wasn't some particular way because it is DCC.

There's never time to do it right, but always time to do it over.....

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Westchester NY
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Posted by retsignalmtr on Monday, March 1, 2010 4:52 PM

Make a Western Union splice, solder the joint and either use plastic tape or shrink tubing to insulate them. Or you could use a Barrier strip and crimp eyelets on the wires or wrap the wire around the posts. Anyway you are comfortable with. 

  • Member since
    June 2005
  • From: Phoenixville, PA
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Posted by nbrodar on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 12:04 AM

 Or use wire nuts.

Nick

Take a Ride on the Reading with the: Reading Company Technical & Historical Society http://www.readingrailroad.org/

  • Member since
    March 2007
  • 2,751 posts
Posted by Allegheny2-6-6-6 on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 12:53 AM

 I second the wire nuts, if there good enough for the wiring in your house they will work just fine for your model railroad. Which doesn't run any where hear the amperage your house does. I've seen them used many times.

Just my 2 cents worth, I spent the rest on trains. If you choked a Smurf what color would he turn?
  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Knoxville, TN
  • 2,055 posts
Posted by farrellaa on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 8:45 AM

By using a barrier strip you can easily disconnect the new section if power issues come up and you can isolate that part of the layout. Just a thought.

Life is what happens while you are making other plans!

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Pittsburgh, PA
  • 1,796 posts
Posted by JoeinPA on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 10:37 AM

farrellaa
By using a barrier strip you can easily disconnect the new section if power issues come up and you can isolate that part of the layout. Just a thought.

 

I agree.  Putting in barrier strips takes a little more time but they can really save you a lot of effort when you are trying to diagnose a problem.  They have been a real help for me.

 Joe

  • Member since
    September 2007
  • From: Charlotte, NC
  • 6,099 posts
Posted by Phoebe Vet on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 10:43 AM

I use barrier strips.

Dave

Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow

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