dcc wiring

[Anonymous]

I am building a 4 x 8 layout, double loop with 5 sidings. I have an Atlas DCC. Do I make the layout one big block with a programing section and do I or can I connect mutiple feeders in this situation, or do I block sections and connect feeders to each block? Any good book that takes you step by step for dcc trck wiring and config? Please help am ready to start wiring. Also what about block placement between turnouts that connect the loops? Please help beginner.

[Anonymous]

Wire your layout as one big Block. Use a spur line for programing and power it seprately from the main layout using the restor provided with your decoder in series with the command control system. The main layout should have several "drops" around the system so that you have uniform power around the layout. I hope that this gets you started.

John
[e-mail]

[BR60103]

If you are using Snap track, you can probably get away with one set of feeders. Extra feeders are useful to supplement the rail joiners for carrying current.
If you use all-rail turnouts (switches) you have to put insulating gaps or plastic rail joiners to avoid shorts.
I would have feeders to each loop; make sure they're on the same way so they don't cause a short.
It's often nice to have a siding where you can shut off the power to a loco but leave it on the track.
--David

[Anonymous]

David:

I disagree with the part about using snap track and relying on the rail joiners. I believe that the extra feeders are imperative. I make sure that each section of track is either solered to a feeder or to the adjacent piece of track. As time progresses and the rail gets an oxidation build-up, you will have to keep your track pristinely clean. I have a griend with a small layout in his garage. He did not follow my soldering rule as stated above. Whenever we operate on his layout we always have to begin by cleaning the track.

Also I strongly recommend turnouts with insulated frogs.

You might want to check out the following website for more info:

wiringfordcc.com

[greendiamond]

Try this website=== www.wiring4dcc.com

It's the most comprehensive for DCC wiring and making turnouts more DCC friendly.

Mike Tyl

[Sperandeo]

Hello,

Allow me to suggest my book, "Easy Model Railroad Wiring, Second Edition," from Kalmbach Publishing. Chapter 8 covers command control and specifically addresses layout wiring for DCC (and other command control systems).

Happy holidays,

Andy Sperandeo
MODEL RAILROADER Magazine