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Alright heres my layout.  its a fastrack/tmcc layout. been working on it for a year as the budget will allow.  I've got the trackplan decided on and i wanna knock this wiring out.    Now a few notes for thought.    this is a Command only layout.  I am currently using 1-180 powerhouse connected to a tpc 400 for track power.  with a cab-1 for control.   This all i have as far as electrical powering equipment right now.  with the exception of a few cw'80's sitting around collecting dust.    having trouble with he photo haven't massed with new fourm much

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/67095363@N03/7336579672/

 

  

(question 1) I have 13  remote switches.  i know i want to power them sepetraly what power supply would be accurate for this?

 

(question 2) Other than a few sidings i think i want to install toggle switches to so i can control power.  with my track plan should i isolate any part of the layout? like should i isolate the                                  Inner main from the outer main.  With command control it it really necessary.

 

(Question 3)  I was leaning toward the bus wiring method which i believe is basically following you track path with a hot and ground bus and connecting your feeders to the bus wires. Is this the of doing such? my layout it not large but it seems easier  and physically neater.  also regarding the bus wire method is it vital for the bus wires to complete a loop or can i i just cap the ends? and how man buses do you use Just one for both mains or one for each? 

 

(Question 4)  With the above said what kind of power should i use for track.  right now with the voltage set near max on the tpc it all runs pretty well of the 1 180ph ith one standard lionel connection but you do get some voltage drops.  this is with 4 locos running pulling 8-12 cars trains.  I read a previous post where with a similar setup someone suggested using a 180ph for each main? would that work for me.

 

thats enough for now with start with these questions and see how it goes.  And I want to say THIS IS A GREAT FOURM WITH GREAT PEOPLE with this fourm I'd be prolly ride my harley more lol.  thanks guys I appreciate any help or input and I'm always up for input on anything i change anything in a hearttbeat if there's something you guys see might work better. 

 

 

  

Last edited by jeremy ferrell
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I would definitely isolate the two loops with gaps between the x-overs. This will help out later down the road if you decide to add a second TPC. With the TPC you can run conventional engines or even MTH engines in conventional if you decide to. 

From an operational standpoint I would swap the the two x-overs putting the pair at the top of the diagram at the bottom and bottom set at the top. This will give you more operating freedom when doing switching on the inner loop.

A few further questions?  how does evryone connect their feeders to thier busses?

 currennt plan is to isolate the inner and outer main. electrically but can they share a ground.

 

and regarding switches is the same bus and feeder method ok for  power switches.  and would a cw80 be to much or to nill for powering 14 fastrack switches?

Originally Posted by superotrackdon:

Hi Jeremy, As you know FasTrack will need to have rail breaks cut in the center rail or the pins cut off or removed.  On your crossover switches since they are back to back I like to simply cut the center pins off to isolate inner & outer loops. Any every case make 100% sure it is a clean visable break. Even the smallest whisker of metal remaining will mess you up.

  

     

FWIW o-60 and larger fastrack switches come with block sections attached, simply removing the  hot wire underneath allows for track isolation.

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