The "exploded" view of the benchwork on pg 10 of How To Build a Model Railroad (Winter 2013) does not show the use of 1/4" plywood as listed in the materials list. Is this a misprint / mistake or am I missing something.
I am really looking at building "The Rock Ridge Central" pg. 70 of the same issue.
Additionally how to I handle a 2 train operation on this layout without DCC? I am finding that power very costly.
And yes I am a newbie at this but enjoying the planning very enjoyable.
Thanks
I'm also new at this Daff, but in oder to run 2 trains without DCC on a layout like that, and have them run at different speeds, for example, would be to have 2 separate tracks each on their own power supply. Maybe have one lay bench level and one elevated about 5-6 inches or so. If I was to build that, I would have the elevated train as a continuous run and the bench level train as point to point.
Just a thought.
Lorne
Welcome!
Sorry, not familiar with the publication you list, but you can run two trains in DC on one level. You will need a passing siding at the least, where one can go while the other passes. Your layout has to be divided into electrical blocks and you throw a switch to activate each block. To run two trains at the same time, at different speeds or in different directions, you will either need two power packs or one with dual control.
I used the Atlas Wiring book and their products. There are other books on DC wiring that I am sure you could use and many folks use various toggle switches rather than the Atlas ones.
My smalll layout is set up so I can have two trains running, but at the moment I have only one power pack attached. It is a single track mainline, with two passing sidings. Since it is only 4'x6', it's diffucult to have both moving at the same time, though it could be done. One could even run continuously on the main line, while the other did some switching.
Suggest you get a book on wiring DC and hope you will find it as helpful as i did.
Good luck,
Richard
Thanks for the replys.....How much do you think a two cab DCC controller system would set me back?
Not sure of prices. You could check Walthers website for an idea.
For DC, MRC makes a dual control unit, there are probably others. If you already have one power pack, it might be less expensive to buy another,single control unit. For my first layout with dual control, I used one nice MRC with momentum and other features. The second pack being one that came with a set. Worked fine and the whole panel was about 30"x15", with the two controlers and all the Atlas parts I needed for powering up to 16 blocks, a reverse loop and switches, plus a light, track plan and some other items.
For DCC, it depends some on the size of your layout. From the sound of it one basic system would do for you at this time. There seem to be many good brands available. Check around locally and see what is available. Having someone familiar with the operation of and service available for a system are important factors.