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Reply to "DCS and wiring for a large scale layout"

Chris,

I have run DCS on our club's 20x40 layout w/ a Z1000 on one mainline. The layout is buss wired. It ran trains without issues. One key issue will be to insure that the two loops are isolated from each other. If you have switches connecting the two loops make sure all three rails are isolated from each other.

The Z4000 is a very popular transformer. But, it is overkill for many applications. Since you have the Z1000's, I'd suggest using them. Buy a couple of ammeters and wire them up. The Z1000 is good for 5 amps. If you're seeing 4+ amps in operation, go ahead and think about buying a larger transformer. 

On the club layout, we use a Z4000 but seldom see more than 3 amps. Incandescent lighted passenger cars are probably your #1 power sucker. Keep the consists short and you should be OK.

It may sound counter intuitive, but the bigger the wire, the better. If you're buss wiring, I'd suggest at least 14ga. and preferably 12ga. wire. For star wiring, 14ga. will be fine. Plan for a feeder every six track joints.

Last edited by Gilly@N&W

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