@SteveH posted:A centrally located terminal block with each individual accessory would certainly work, but in the end will use more wire than other methods. Over time, it can also end up becoming a bit of a maze of wires, depending on methods used.
If you plan to wire all the accessories to the same ZW output, my suggestion would be to run a 14 -16 gauge accessory wiring bus under the table like so:
I also suggest leaving ~ 12"+ slack in the bus branches for future connections (via wago connectors).
This or a similar configuration will allow using shorter feeders with smaller wires to individual accessories and help keep the wiring more organized. IMO. If and when you add more lighted buildings and street lights, etc, the buss will already be close by them.
One might also consider just using an open ended loop all the way around the layout, but the disadvantage to that would be significant voltage drop at the far end. Closing the bus loop (attaching the end back to the beginning) may cause other issues.
I have found this pictured method to work well and provide much flexibility in future modifications and accessory additions.
Thanks. I was trying to picture the most efficient solution in my mind, and your drawing and explanation helped. I wired the track this way, with a bus up the middle then branches left and right to each end of the layout where the track connections are. I’ll do the same for the accessories and probably use my 5 way Wago connectors so that there are plenty of connection opportunities per branch.
The other issue is the buttons for the operating accessories. I can wire the hot right to the bus, but then would need to run the ground to the button on the control panel or fascia and then back to the bus? Which could be a lot of wiring. Or could I run the ground to the button at the panel/fascia, and then back to any common? (Like a connection right at panel/ZW if it’s closer?)
Button activation will apply for things like the Sawmill, Icing, Gateman, etc.
