I am starting a new n scale layout that is quite small. I just laid the majority of the cork roadbed today and hopefully be laying track tomorrow.
I have not yet decided if I am going to use DCC or not but I would like to easily be able to up grade it to DCC if I choose to. How would I go about wiring my layout so it will be easy to upgrade later on? I don't know anything about DCC so any information will be helpful.
Michael
Never attempt anything you don't want to explain to the EMT
Do you plan to operate multiple trains at all? If not - wire it DCC style with a track bus and numerous feeders dropped along the way. If you want to park trains on a sidding, insulate one rail, run a wire from the bus wire for the rail you insualted to a SPST toggle, and then run the other side of the toggle to feeders on the insualted rail. If it's a long siding, more than 1 feeder, but all connected to the same switch.
Connect the bus wires to your power pack. You should be able to run trains anywayer, and if you pull into one of those sidings and turn off the toggle for it, you can run another trian while that one stays parked.
To convert to DCC in the future, disconnect the power pack, connect the DCC system to the same wires, and turn on all the toggle switches.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Yes I will be running 2-3 trains. The layout is basically 2 loops with a passing siding and various industry tracks.
So basically I should wire it as I normally would for a 2 cab control but attach feeder wires to every piece of track?
Every piece connected by rail joiners that aren;t soldered. You can solder every other set, if you use sectional track, and one feeder for each group is plenty. If you're using flex, then 1 pair of feeders per peice is good.
If you wire it for basic 2 cab operation, to convert to DCC, replace one cab with the DCC system, set all block selectors to that cab, and DISCONNECT THE OTHER CAB. You want it to NEVER be possible to have a loco bridge a gap between a block connected to the DCC system and a block connected to the DC power pack, so eliminate all chances by disconnecting the other DC ab completely.
If and when you convert, you could always run a second bus, remove the switches and attach the cab feeders directly to it.
There is something to be said about leaving the DC cab wiring and switches in place. It would make troubleshooting very easy in the event of a short.
Jim
Even a cheap entry level DCC system is a step ahead of DC, especially when trying to run multiple trains (you stated 2 or 3) on a small layout. Trying to run 2 or 3 trains on a small layout with cab control is more like the dance of the toggle switches. You spend so much time concentrating on which toggle switch connects to which block or turnout that you really can't enjoy running the trains. I converted to DCC years ago and never looked back! I would highly recommend wiring the layout specifically for DCC and just dive in.
Hornblower
Michael6792 I don't know anything about DCC so any information will be helpful.
I don't know anything about DCC so any information will be helpful.
Hi Michael,
You received some excellent advice so far. To help you here are some links to learn more about DCC.
A primer from Tony's
http://tonystrains.com/tonystips/dccprimer/index.htm
Some books to check out from our hosts
http://www.kalmbachstore.com/modeltrains-railroading-model-railroading-books-wiring-electronics-series.html
Good Luck, Derek