Wiring

[Anonymous]

I'm "out of the chair" and have begun to build my empire - starting out with a 10x6 (it quickly grew from a 4x8 - can anyone identify?). I was on a roll (benchwork and tracklaying using Shinohara code 83 complete) until I got to the wiring. I've stared at Andy Sperandeo's "Easy Model Railroad Wiring 2nd edition" and an article in the April 1993 MRR magizine by the same author long enough to figure out how to wire my layout for cab control. But I'm now to the point of buying the items. Will any brand or type of DPDT center-off and SPDT center-off switches do? Will 16 AWG wire do for a bus wire? Will 22AWG wire do for feeders? Are block terminals the best way to make all those connections to the DPDT and SPDT switches on the panel? Anyone willing to give a phone number or e-mail address in the event I have further questions? All you guys must be electrical engineers as I don't see anyone else asking these questions!! Or maybe it's just a stressful topic. I am finding it (this topic)enjoyable - it's turned out to be a fun challenge.

P.S. This sight has been great - I'm in this hobby as much to share it with others as anything else!

[Anonymous]

well u touched on alot of things there!manufacturer doesnt really matter it depends whats in your budget.16awg is a little light but will do the job depending what scale and # of loco's your using.22 awg seems to get used alot as feeders because it doesnt stand out as much when it comes time for scenery.I use an 18 awg for my feeders and a 12awg for bus.It's heavy i know but i work in electronics so i have high standards:) Email me if you have any questions

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[rogerhensley]

>>I'm "out of the chair"

Congratulations!

>>Will any brand or type of DPDT center-off and SPDT center-off switches do?

Yep. I get mine at Radio Shack.

>>Will 16 AWG wire do for a bus wire?

Yes, but 14 would be better and 12 better yet.

>>Will 22AWG wire do for feeders?

Yes, but a little larger wouldn't hurt. I use 20 and some 18. Feed about every 6 feet. Some say more often.

>>Are block terminals the best way to make all those connections to the DPDT and SPDT switches on the panel?

Block Terminals, yes. Believe me, you do want to make all of the connections from panel to track on block terminals. That doesn't cost. It pays.

>>Anyone willing to give a phone number or e-mail address in the event I have further questions?

You can always e-mail me, but you would do as well or better to take a look at the NMRA Beginner's Pages at: http://www.nmra.org/beginner/

>>All you guys must be electrical engineers as I don't see anyone else asking these questions!!

Of course we are... NOT!

Enjoy

Roger
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[BR60103]

I don't know about brands of DPDT switches, but I have had major problems with miniature switches -- I think they may have been mangled by my soldering. Look around your area for surplus shops that may have something cheaper. If you operate a lot, you will want a sturdy switch.
I've used all sorts of wire; when I'm desperate or broke I use old telephone or computer cable but I know it's too small -- sometimes I double the strands up. I'm using a length of house wiring (the in-the-wall type) as a common for my current layout and I plan to use lamp cord for the wire from the controllers to the cab selector switches.
David

[DocDan]

I just finished wiring on my layout and it seems like you have a lot of the same questions I did at this stage. This site was really helpful as was Andy's book. Check here often - Andy may respond to your questions.

Some things I did and learned:

1. I've been pretty happy with Radio Shack hardware. They're fairly reliable, the store folks are easy to deal with, and the prices aren't bad. I also don't feel I need to be an expert or engineer to shop there. The electronics supply place near me makes me feel like I don't belong in their shop.

2. 12 gauge bus wire is a bit of overkill but nobody has argued with me regarding the increase in relaibility by using the heavier gauge.

3. If you go with 12 awg, use good tools (ie, wire strippers and cutters). - I guess you should

4. You will need a particualry hot iron to get the wire hot enough to melt solder. Weller makes a good dual heat gun. Your smaller pencil tpe iron will be more useful when you work on the feeder to track connections.

Good luck - I can tell you it feels great when you get past this part. Spend some time here and you won't have to go back and redo things you should have done the first time around.

Dan