Basic wiring

[bandit0517]

I've just begun a 2X20 foot point to point layout. I'm using regular DC power. I have nothing tacked down or wired yet (I want to make sure I'm satisfied with my operations before I make anyhing permanent).

I'm using just a plain piece of terminal track for testing using 16 gauge wire. I'm only putting power to the track (accessories will be using the AC posts on a separate power supply). The trains run good.

My question is: Do you think I need to run bus and feeder wires to the track, or do you think I can get by with just the wires soldered to the track at one point?

What would be the advantages of the bus and feeder wires?

Thanks,
Ron

[selector]

If you are certain that you, alone, will operate on the layout, with the necessary restrictions to two, sometimes three, locomotives with sound running concurrently, then one set of feeders may suffice, as long as you take steps to ensure connecitivity to each end. But, if you and a couple of friends will operate 6-10 locos, you will want districts to keep the occasional short from shutting down the entire layout, or worse, blowing circuitry and decoders.

Even if I intended to operate alone, I would divide the layout into two districts and put short protection in each district for safety. That way, you minimize the risk to all decoders when many of them are drawing amperage near the max, and you keep part of the layout operating while you reach over and correct the short.

As for the 16 gauge wire, it will probably suffice for the short distances you describe. It would not hurt to run a split bus of 14 gauge to the ends, and drop a pair of 18 gauge feeders to each district (half of your layout?). For the hour it will take to do that (if you're slow, like me), it will ensure good power throughout.

[johnny.5]

Ron;
I agree with Selector about the Buss, but he must have missed the part about using regular DC. DC does not use decoders so you don't have to worry about blowing anything. I am also a newbe and don't no much for sure, but I have done the same as you with my TEST track in that I have 1 terminal track running DC loops (3 in all, 1 term. track in each loop). I have a seperate power supply (cheepies right now) for each loop, and 1 for my 3 passing sideings. The layout is 100 sq. ft. 10X6X17X4 L shape and everything runs OK. And I'm just useing 24Gauge Telephone wire. I have a couple STUTTER spots right now, but I'm sure they are caused by week joiner connections.
Even though I am useing DC I am STILL going to run a 14 gauge Buss and 24 gauge feeders, (because I have and it's free, and my budget is ZIP) So that current transfer to the far ends of the layout will be better and trains won't slow. Also because I will be eventually be useing Signal Research's DBC, (Digital Block Control), allowing me to run upto 8 trains (8 blocks, and no decoders or engine changes) all on the same track.
So in closing, I guess I'm saying run the buss, it will be better in the long run and won't hurt.
Good luck John

[tomikawaTT]

Even if you are a lone wolf, it is a good idea to break your railroad into blocks and power each one with a separate rail connection. Sooner or later even a lone wolf will want to be able to run two locomotives. (This lone wolf uses DC, and has run as many as four separate pieces of motive power simultaneously.) You might also want to install a signal system or operating crossing gates, which is much easier to do if the separate blocks are already there.

Having separate blocks also makes it easier to track down 'mystery' short circuits. It's a lot easier to finecomb four lengths of Atlas flex than to go over an entire basement- or garage-filling layout. Also, if you can isolate the problem by throwing one switch, you can still operate the rest of the railroad while avoiding the embargoed track - not unlike the prototype. (Their excuse may be a flood, or a collapsed building across the rails, but is very unlikely to be a short circuit.)

I'll leave suggesting possible reference books to others. My last reading on the subject took place during the Kennedy administration, when I came up with the system of wire and device identification I still use today.

Chuck.