wiring n-guage

[Anonymous]

I have a novice question about wiring a layout. How far apart do I space the wires and how many different wires are needed? I know this must be dependent upon how large the layout is and other factors such as inclines. I do not have many turnouts etc. Is there a basic rule of thumb?
Thanks and I hate to bother the vets with such basic stuff.

james

[Adelie]

James, I assume you are talking about feeder wires to the track. Are you using standard DC (a power pack) or DCC?

For DC, a few feeders go a long way, provided your rail joiners are tight or the track joints are soldered. Grades (inclines) really don't impact it in any way. One set of feeders placed per block (if you are using blocks) is generally enough. With DCC, you should have feeders every 3-6 feet or so.

The reason for the difference is that DC is just power and DCC also contains a control signal embedded in the current. That signal weakens fairly quickly by comparison.

[Anonymous]

Thanks , Mark.

I figured as much, but I just needed some confirmation form one with experience. I plan to solder the wires to the rail joiners - the terminal joiners seemed too expensive and anything I cna do myself - I would rather. SO now I will try my hand at soldering.

Thanks again.
James