Some 4x8 Questions

[Anonymous]

I would use dcc, ground throws, and undertable switches both. This will make wiring a snap. If you use a prodogy you can install computer ethernet cables (cheap) and plug in as you go around the layout. DCC is the norm now and will gain more and more market share in the future as the conservative members of the hobby finally give up and accept change. Ground throws are great on mains where they are easy to get to, are cheap, and they are almost indestructable. For areas where you need to reach in, esp around brittle buildings and wonderfully landscaped terrain, an under-table switch machine is a must. Atlas machines are cheap and reliable, but others (which cost more) are slower and or last longer. Avoid on table switch machines. They look worse the longer you look at them.

[Javern]

get some Caboose industries ground thros for control of the turnouts, pick up a inexpensive MRC command 2000 for cheap on Ebay

[Javern]

get some Caboose industries ground thros for control of the turnouts, pick up a inexpensive MRC command 2000 for cheap on Ebay

[Anonymous]

1. Maybe a walkaround throttle and manual turnout controls? No DCC, though.
2. You could start out by using the insulated joiners to divide your track into blocks, but just wire all the blocks together for now. Then you can separate the blocks later.

[Anonymous]

1. Maybe a walkaround throttle and manual turnout controls? No DCC, though.
2. You could start out by using the insulated joiners to divide your track into blocks, but just wire all the blocks together for now. Then you can separate the blocks later.

[Anonymous]

First of all, I would recommend using a DCC system such as MRC's Prodigy that's available for as low as $125. You could sit this system on a homemade shelf attached under the layout with some scrap plywood sitting on a bracket made of 1x1s or 1x2s. I would suggest mounting the system at one of the ends to allow fairly equal access to both sides. If you use the Atlas SnapTrack components and flextrack, all I would suggest you wire would be a small loop of larger gauge wire such as code 20 to serve as the main bus wire and attach at two seperate locations the two feeder wires of a smaller diameter wire to give the track a healy supply of power. I hope this helps you and send a reply if you need further assistance.

[Anonymous]

First of all, I would recommend using a DCC system such as MRC's Prodigy that's available for as low as $125. You could sit this system on a homemade shelf attached under the layout with some scrap plywood sitting on a bracket made of 1x1s or 1x2s. I would suggest mounting the system at one of the ends to allow fairly equal access to both sides. If you use the Atlas SnapTrack components and flextrack, all I would suggest you wire would be a small loop of larger gauge wire such as code 20 to serve as the main bus wire and attach at two seperate locations the two feeder wires of a smaller diameter wire to give the track a healy supply of power. I hope this helps you and send a reply if you need further assistance.

[Anonymous]

Dear Model Railroaderers,
I'm ready to build and have a few questions on the 4x8 track plan in the July 2003 MR issue. I apologize for not having a link to the track plan but it's a 4x8 divided longways by a backdrop w/a 3 track yard and 3 industrial spurs on the north side of the backdrop and a grain siding w/spurs on the south side of the backdrop. Some questions:

1. Where would you recommend installing a control panel on or around the layout for the power pack(s) and turnout switches? Would you recommend manual turnout switches or under the table switch machines or what?

2. Would you recommend block divisions or one loco only operation (so no insulated rail joiners, blocks, etc)?

Thank you,
Dan

[Anonymous]

Dear Model Railroaderers,
I'm ready to build and have a few questions on the 4x8 track plan in the July 2003 MR issue. I apologize for not having a link to the track plan but it's a 4x8 divided longways by a backdrop w/a 3 track yard and 3 industrial spurs on the north side of the backdrop and a grain siding w/spurs on the south side of the backdrop. Some questions:

1. Where would you recommend installing a control panel on or around the layout for the power pack(s) and turnout switches? Would you recommend manual turnout switches or under the table switch machines or what?

2. Would you recommend block divisions or one loco only operation (so no insulated rail joiners, blocks, etc)?

Thank you,
Dan