Newbie looking for tips with controllers and wiring

[mikestecker]

Hi all, I'm a complete newbie when it comes to wiring and controllers for building a set so I wanted to see if someone could help me out here.

I have 2 boys who love trains and wanted to build them a track that they wouldn't get bored with easily and could have some fun with.

I've spent some time looking at layouts and came up with this layout that I would like to build with the Bachmann EZ HO size track. I have inserted the track I'd like to build below and would like to see if anyone could help me out with wiring and what controller to get that will let me control 2-3 trains simultaneously. I have switches here I would like to control and would like to expand to have those stop-go lights, buildings, road crosssings, etc for the trains on the tracks as well if possible. So far I haven't purchased all of the track yet, and I only have 1 engine, which is a basic starter engine that was given to me.

Thanks in advance! Any help/pointers would be greatly appreciated.

[Stourbridge Lion]

mikestecker - Welcome to Trains.com!

[Texas Zepher]

mikestecker

I have 2 boys who love trains and wanted to build them a track that they wouldn't get bored with easily and could have some fun with.

Ok that is good background information to have.

I've spent some time looking at layouts and came up with this layout that I would like to build with the Bachmann EZ HO size track. I have inserted the track I'd like to build below and would like to see if anyone could help me out with wiring and what controller to get that will let me control 2-3 trains simultaneously.

Basically there are two ways to go here.  One which is tried and true for 60 years (called block control), and then there is the new technology way called DCC.   Wiring for DCC is very easy.  For the layout you have proposed 2 to 6 wires should do it, but DCC requires special circuits in each locomotive (called decoders).  in general the more "starter" a locomotive is the more difficult to outfit it with a decoder.    Wiring for DC requires the track to be broken into sections called block.  An electrical switch has to be connected to each section of track.  The track plan you proposed would traditionally have a minimum of 9 blocks, but I think I would go with 13.   For multiple operators someone has to continually flip the electrical switches to keep the power from each controller going to the correct track.   The advantage of this system is that any normal locomotive can be placed on the track and will work.    So it is sort of a choose your poision.   While I am an expert in DC block control wiring I much prefer DCC because it alows one to focus on running the trains and not flipping electrical switches.    Starting from scratch it might not be as expensive than if you already had a large number of locomotives.

I have switches here I would like to control and would like to expand to have those stop-go lights, buildings, road crosssings, etc for the trains on the tracks as well if possible.

Help me with what you mean by the stop-go lights?  Do you mean traffic lights for the automobiles, or do you mean railroad signalling lights?   

 So far I haven't purchased all of the track yet, and I only have 1 engine, which is a basic starter engine that was given to me.

In that case I might suggest a different brand than Bachmann.  In the past their EZ-Track turnouts have proven to be unreliable.  It might be more work to lay something like Atlas, but in my opinion it will be much more reliable.

Any help/pointers would be greatly appreciated.

I am certain we could write pages.  Trying not to do that.         But in this day and age, I have to recommend that you look to a DCC system.    It is becoming more and more the norm every day.   Bachmann is now making entry level DCC systems and locomotives with decoders already built in.   Several of the DCC vendors are making basic systems that should last one for years and years.  The cool thing bout DCC is that one can mix and match vendors.  ...

[mokenarr]

Do not know if you have a Local Hobby Shop close to you , but if you do that would be the best place to start.

[Phoebe Vet]

Welcome aboard. 

Since you are starting out, not converting, I would recommend DCC.  My personal favorite is Digitrax, but there are several reliable brands available and each person has his own favorite.  Look for ease of use, ease of upgrade as you get more experience and decide you want more capability, and THEN cost.  A basic DCC system probably won't cost more than the 3 DC power supplies that you would need to run 3 trains at once on a DC layout.  The layout wiring for DCC will be simpler and therefor easier than the wiring for a multi train DC layout.

Most new engines are available with a DCC decoder already installed, or DCC ready with an 8 or 9 pin plug so a decoder is easily installed.  If the engine you were given is more than a few years old, adding a decoder might require soldering skills to install.