wireing

[Anonymous]

I am a newbe to the model train thing. Looking at starting a RR for my son and myself as father / son hobby and fun together. Question is what about the power for the trains everyone talks about DC and DCC and I see all the huge lay outs of power grids and what not. We are looking at doing a seen during WW ll with army units and the works on a 4*6' area. would like to have the lighting ie: street lights and building lights etc. as well as the proper power to the train. What do I need to get started. I have decided not to buy a box set due to the fact that reguardless of which one you get you still need more track. looking to buy track for the layout then the engine something in the steam eara. and add as I go but back to the power thing, I need some suggestions on what and how to get this started before I start my layout.

[cacole]

Your question has too many answers, and is too complex to be answered through a forum of this type -- I would like to suggest that you get a book on the subject of model railroad wiring from Kalmbach Publishing. Offhand, I don't know the title of one, but their web site should have a search function that can help, or perhaps someone who has bought one of their books will chime in and give you some help. Good luck.

[howmus]

If you are just starting out, I would suggest that you go directly into DCC. There is a large choice of systems out there that will serve you well. As far a wiring, take it one step at a time. I power accesories (street and house wiring, turnout machines, etc.) with DC. Easier to and cheaper to do. A lot will depend on how much control of things you want to have from the throttle. Allan Gartner has an indepth site devoted to DCC wireing that is a "must read" for everyone thinking of using DCC.

http://www.wiringfordcc.com/

[cwclark]

DC is a system where the train is powered thru the rails and "blocks" have to be wired in to control the power to different sections of track (on / off switches)...DCC is a system where the entire layout is powered and a device called a decoder is installed in the locomotive(s) and a throttle is dialed in to a code which operates that particular locomotive or locomotives...DCC is more versatile to use if you plan on running more than one train ..if you plan on one train than basic DC would be ok to use...wiring is a big subject..you have reversing loops, wyes, electronic devices such as train detecting circuits, lights, blocks, ABS systems, all kinds of stuff..your best bet is to purchase a book on wiring from www.kalmbach.com ... Andy S.'s Easy wiring for model railroads is a good book which has a section on DCC if you go that route and a lot on basic DC is also included in his book...the book isn't too terribly expensive and it covers just about everything you'll need to know about wiring a model railroad ...another good book is by Atlas for wiring Atlas related equipment if you plan on using all atlas track and turnouts...a good wiring book will help explain the different scenerios you can get yourself into running a model railroad which is just too complicated to try and explain in a forum post...chuck

[retsignalmtr]

since you are a newbe to this hobby you have many choices to make. atlas track and switches are good and not expensive. there are also track systems with a plastic roadbed that eliminates the ballasting part. control is another thing. if you are sure that you are going to stay in the hobby dcc is the way to go now as it eases the task of wiring your layout( no wiring blocks, toggle switches and no spagetti bowl of wire under the layout). there are inexpensive (to some) dcc systems that can be expanded as your layout grows and many locos come with the decoder already installed. with dcc if you want to add accessory lights to your layout you'll have to get a separate transformer to power them. an mrc dc power pack will be able to power your trains and supply ac for lights and switch power. mail order sites have good prices but hobby shops usually have what you want and you can see it but at slightly higher prices.