Layout Wiring

[dl85vette]

For those interested, I added photos in my album showing my wiring and Fuse panel. Also is a progress shot of my layout to date. I had fun with photoshop illustraing my plans. Panel is all labeled so if I end up with a dead section then I just pull out that 'section' fuse and inspect to see if it is blown. The Toggle switch is to shut off power to the entire layout except section F which is the Plastic Plant/Program Track. Terminal blocks were used so the sections could be unbolted (for moving) without having to cut and resplice wires. Comments/questions welcome.

[ginzokid]

I just posted all your pictures Dave. Looking realy good. Glad to see that some of us are really building something. Question. What is that orange cable you are using? Looks like heavy duty extension chord. Is that your bus wire and what gage is it? Comment. To improve the immediate looks of the track work, why don't you fill in the gaps at joints with shaved down ties. Not being super critical, but the openings really do stick out in photos. Just a suggestion from the old rivet counter.....not. CdccF

[trmwf]

Looks good Dave!!! prof

[dl85vette]

Thanks all. Pete, answers to your questions. I used 16 gauge extension cord for the many bus cables. (10 meter cord for $9.99 @ Cdn Tire. I cut the plugs off.) I believe in high current capacity from my audio days,no mickey mouse 20 gauge wiring. The fuse holders are from automotive section at Cdn Tire. They are the modern car blade fuses. There's another fuse holder out there that houses 4 older style (glass tube) fuses but I figured the way the clips hold the fuses, if you reach in, there is a potential to get zapped. Terminal boards are from....Crappy Tire also. Like all model RRs, I'm nowhere near done. Yes, I still have to fill in those gaps where I clipped the U-shaped ties off the ends of track. Beings that's a boring job, it is kinda waiting for me with all the dreaded ballasting. I'll have to buy a crappy camera so you guys can't critique my work 😛 just joking. Thanks for all comments and suggestions. Should be able to fix any of my blunderings with the wealth of knowledge in this group Oh yea, for trivia. the layout is 6X9 feet. Dave Crammed in the corner of basement.

[ginzokid]

Dave, I go to Radio Shack and buy bulk 14 gauge extension cord, the two color kind. That way I know which is the common and which is the hot side. I just split the cords center webbing with an xacto blade and use Scotch-lock suitcase connectors for the feeders. No soldering needed except at the track. I like your fuse ideas. I'll have to see how I can incorporate the idea into the new dcc system. Codfadda

[dl85vette]

It is supposed to help having it in blocks so that if a loco goes down it won't affect other blocks. More importantly with the larger scales, if the layout is big enough, you may need additional booster(s) to help with powering the layout. Dave Our radio shack here sucks. Welcome to the valley. On the plus side I have a wine brewing kit. woohoo!

[ginzokid]

I figured out two main circuits for the main lines and one more for the yard. That should do it for me. Tony's Train Exchange askedme how much track I had and said the 5 amp booster should be enough for the whole system. That's an upgrade from the 2.5 amp that was stock. We shall see if it ever gets here. CdccF

[flaretired]

Is there any color code for wiring a DCC layout? My DCC bus wire is red and black. I still have to run AC and DC buses. Is it my choice of colors? Chuck 🙂

[ginzokid]

Chuck, There is some kind of "convention" for wiring in the real world, but I don't know what it is. I just use different colors for each specified purpose and keep a written record of what each represents. Also it is handy to put labels on the wires under the layout. I use file folder stick-on labels and just wrap them around the wires. They are cheap an have lots of room to write on. Just be sure to use the same color all the time for the same purpose. B-)

[flaretired]

Thanks Pete. Chuck 🙂

[ginzokid]

I keep telling Gene to follow the two rules of wiring a two rail layout, so I thought I would write them here for all. Rule #1: Gap the rails between turnouts located frog-to-frog. Rule #2: Feed power from the point ends of turnouts. These rules and some very good illustrations can be found on pages 28-30 in the book "Easy Model Railroad Wiring, Second Edition" by Andy Sperandeo, a Model Railroad publication. These rules apply to both DC and DCC layouts.

[beastranger]

Yeah, but how do you end a power feed ???? Punk

[ginzokid]

That, my boy, is a whole 'nother thread! The Corrodedfadda

[nascarpetlover]

All power feeds end some place on the Rock. Being frugal (cheap ok) I use the ties from the bread to bundle the wires under the layout. Ours come in at least five different colors also. Lou PS Just something my Mother taught me.