Help with Layout Questions

Just one response about making track power wires to the tracks ...

The benefit of using Terminal Track sections is that the connection screws are visible and accessible for convenient circuit troubleshooting with voltmeter probes.  Then it's easy to find a short or an unwanted voltage drop along the routes.

Hobbyists who prefer to hide track wiring for the sake of realism and avoid the "toy train" look, install power wires attached to track pins that can be hidden from view and dressed up underneath the platform. a very clean installation. But that method is more demanding to install.

I'm now 81, so "easy access" wins. Visitors to my L-shaped layout realize it's an ELECTRIC layout, so seeing wires at trackside attached to terminal track sections isn't an issue - for them or for me.

Carry on ...

Mike Mottler    LCCA 12394

The pin type power connectors worked well for us.

One suggestion: we first tried to align the holes in the table directly under the pins so the wire goes straight down. Found out quickly that doing so completely removed any flexibility in fine-tuning track position. The wires are like 16 gauge, and not very flexible.

So for all the rest, we drilled a hole about an inch to the outside of the ties, and bent over the pin wires at 90 degrees (careful not to crack the soldered connection) then dropped the wires there. You can still see an inch of black and red, but it's way easier to deal with.

Good luck!

I actually like the look of the terminal block on the track.

Hi,

Always remember to check manufacturer's website when seeking dimension data.  I have attached the Gargraves Sectional Curve chart for your convenience.  Interesting to note that sometimes the wood tie outer dimension (tie edge-to-tie edge) is larger than the plastic and sometimes it is just the opposite.  With respect to nesting curves, some of the curve variations only provide a 7" difference.  Depending on the type of equipment you run, that might be just a little tight.

As far as reach distances, most recommend 30" or less.  Longer reaches can be handled if your platform is built below waist level, but that would make access to your pop-ups very difficult.  For your pop-ups, I would recommend at least 3' x 3', particularly if you choose a higher platform.  That will allow you more room to turn/move and work comfortably without knocking something over close to the pop-up.

Finally, it seems that you prefer table-top construction techniques which are fine.  Just remember that not every table top has to be as big as the area you are filling.  Look through the Layout Planning & Design Forum here and search the web for designs that use narrower tables (some with the end "bulb" to turn a train) that make good use of space while providing easier access for maintenance.

Chuck

@PRR1950 posted:

Hi,

Always remember to check manufacturer's website when seeking dimension data.  I have attached the Gargraves Sectional Curve chart for your convenience.  Interesting to note that sometimes the wood tie outer dimension (tie edge-to-tie edge) is larger than the plastic and sometimes it is just the opposite.  With respect to nesting curves, some of the curve variations only provide a 7" difference.  Depending on the type of equipment you run, that might be just a little tight.

As far as reach distances, most recommend 30" or less.  Longer reaches can be handled if your platform is built below waist level, but that would make access to your pop-ups very difficult.  For your pop-ups, I would recommend at least 3' x 3', particularly if you choose a higher platform.  That will allow you more room to turn/move and work comfortably without knocking something over close to the pop-up.

Finally, it seems that you prefer table-top construction techniques which are fine.  Just remember that not every table top has to be as big as the area you are filling.  Look through the Layout Planning & Design Forum here and search the web for designs that use narrower tables (some with the end "bulb" to turn a train) that make good use of space while providing easier access for maintenance.

Chuck

Chuck. Thanks for the insight. Much appreciated!! And the chart is awesome!! Thanks.