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Bus Wiring Question

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  • Member since
    January 2010
  • 2,616 posts
Posted by peahrens on Friday, July 26, 2013 9:31 AM

In HO, with 5A NCE system, I used 16AWG stranded buss wire on my roughly 5' x 10' layout.  I had 3 subdistricts (2 reverse loops plus a short mainline) and included yards within those.  I ran the buss wiring along the mainline or created  a branch to run into a yard if needed.  That kept the feeder wires relatively short.  For feeders, I used 22AWG solid wire.  The main issue is the length of feeder wires.  I wanted to use 22AWG and tried to attain 12"-18" max.  I connected feeders at least every 6' of track.  I powered my switch frogs, so that required additional feeders. 

Here's one recommendation (scroll down to that topic) on feeder wires I considered.  Don't remember where else I got guidance except here.  I presume your N scale currents are lower and allow longer feeder wires??

http://wiringfordcc.com/track_2.htm

Paul

Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent

  • Member since
    December 2010
  • 161 posts
Bus Wiring Question
Posted by dexterdog on Friday, July 26, 2013 8:44 AM

I am ready to start on the wiring phase of my layout, but I've been wondering about an aspect of this process which I have really not seen covered . Most sources whether in print or online will say to "run a bus wire under your layout" which is well and good, but my question is: Would you run the wires directly under the mainline route, or would it be more efficient to string them along the length of the layout down the middle?

The main part of my N scale layout is 4x16 feet, essentially 2 4x8 tables connected together. A double track mainline runs around the perimeter with a branchline, a yard and industries in the middle. Should the wires follow the mainline track above, or down the middle of the layout? Perhaps in a zig-zag pattern?

I will be using Digitrax DCC system to run the trains. What is the conventional method of routing bus wires? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

Frank B.

Dorval, Canada

 

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