Found this track plan in the 1978 Kalmbach "Small Rairoads You Can Build" publication. Does anyone know where I can find a DCC wiring diagram for this layout? Returning to the hobby after a 45-year absence, and would like to build this as a part of my bucket list! Can't find it in the on-line track database. Thanks.
Hello All,
to the forums.
Your first few posts will be moderated so there will be a delay in seeing them.
zinoDoes anyone know where I can find a DCC wiring diagram for this layout?
Without having access to the track plan it's difficult to give you a wiring schematic.
Most DCC pikes rely on what is known as a track bus.
In its simplest terms, it is a set of wires from the command station/booster (track power output) that run roughly parallel, underneath the track, with feeders connected to every other section of track.
If the track plan includes reversing sections; wyes, balloon tracks, crossovers, or a folded dog bone, auto-reversing units need to be included in the wiring.
On my 4'x8' pike I have five (5) circuit breaker-protected districts; one being a wye with a combination auto-reversing/circuit breaker unit.
Each power district is isolated from the adjacent ones by using insulated plastic rail joiners on both rails.
Others choose to cut physical gaps in the tracks to isolate each section commonly referred to as "Gapping."
I do not use a track bus but opted for a radial track wiring plan from a central location.
A single set of wires runs from the command station/booster to a terminal block.
From the terminal block wires connect to each circuit breaker.
Each circuit breaker powers another terminal block with track feeders to the individual sections of track within the power district.
Powering turnout motors, detection systems, and other accessories adds layers of wiring complexity.
Without a track plan, it's difficult to give you an exact answer to your wiring needs.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
There aren't any, it was built before DCC
If you can draw a sketch of it, scan it and follow the directions in the General Forum on how to post a picture, we can comment on it. You cannot simply attach a jpg picture to your post.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
That layout doesn't have any reversing sections so you can just connect all the blocks together.
I cannot find the instructions on how to post the sketch.
zinoI cannot find the instructions on how to post the sketch.
It's called a sticky and it's the very first post in the General Forum, but just go here:
https://tinyurl.com/ygd58wwx
I suggest Imgur.com or IMGBB.com as free sites to upload your pics and link them in the forum.
It is also easier to use the BB Link and copy that directly in your text without using the photo icon.
zino I cannot find the instructions on how to post the sketch.
Somebody has that book for sale on ebay - he has a pictures of a few pages, including the Marquette and Independence track plan. As I already mentioned, there are no reversing sections, so you don't have to do anything special with that plan. The plan is marked with brown and yellow feeders, just wire all of the brown feeders together and connect them to one track output, and wire all of the yellow feeders together and connect them to the other track output.
CSX RobertAs I already mentioned, there are no reversing sections, so you don't have to do anything special with that plan.
I agree. I see no way to capture that photo from EBAY.
To the OP if you have any of the beginner DCC books, they always have a section on multiple boosters and power districts. IMHO the advantage of that is if you have multiple operators and one derailment would shut down the whole layout.
Some people store all their locos on the tracks and are concerned about power consumption, even if these aren't running. They use a switch, either DPDT or SPST to cut power to some of their storage yards.
There is also block detection in DCC. If you want to control signals based on the presence of a train in a block, depending on the mode of detection (infrared or electrical) you may want blocks.
None of this is different than having blocks in DC. I'd say your good to go.
One more thing. There are people who operate very large layouts in either DC or DCC with just a pair of feeder wires. That is not the standard of practice for DCC. A buss runs underneath the layout and feeders are dropped every 6'. Some people solder all their rail joiners, some drop feeders to all the rails in a turnout and solder less.
I recommend this website: https://wiringfordcc.com/
IMHO he goes overboard on light bulb protection of you layout in the case of a short. I prefer the PSX circuit breaker.
I use a PowerCab and in the event of a short it shuts down, then it tries to restart, then it shuts down, then it tries to restart. If you are upstairs in the kitchen looking for a Bud Light, during a derail, things might melt and smoke will be released. I have my PSX set up to shut down and require the push of a button to restart the layout.
As azrail says, there is no DCC plan for this layout, but it's a simple enough layout, you don't need special power districts, or blocks, just the normal bus wire with lots of feeders.
You can isolate any sections you want to, or run it all as one block.
Later, if you do decide to isolate a section, it's easy enough to do.
I'd use flex track for as much of it as possible, and fill in with some sectional where needed.
Do your reading on DCC, layout the bus wire, and your feeders, and have at it.
You can modify the plan, make it longer, make it shorter, make the radius on each bigger, make it fit whatever space you have.
It's kind of a dog bone like mine, only mine is folded in the middle, so runs along 2 walls, like an L shape.
I'll post the picture again.
Have fun!
Mike.
My You Tube
Thank you everyone for all your help and advice! This is a great community and resource. I plan on starting the layout in July!
On behalf of the forum, you are welcome and we like to get the feedback. For some reason, people join to ask complicated or controversial questions and never are seen again.
This layout has power districs, you don't need that as layout is very simple.