Where should I look for instructions and diagrams for wiring?

Need more info:
For example, Conventional operation or Command Control?, how much trackage---how large the layout? How many power districts,loops, blocks or operating throttles?
Layout electrical load? For railpower how many locomotives, old postwar or modern motors?, how many lighted passenger cars with incandescent bulbs?

What accessories and lighted units, powered track switches?

Many folks will respond to you if they know your general layout, equipment and operating plans.

quote:

Originally posted by theedudenator:



Wiring track? Best method for lots of track.

Best method to distribute power? Bus bars? Gauge of wire?

Triggering signals? We have the rail switch adapters now. I don't like them.

Multiple trains on one loop. Can I park and train on a siding track then kill power to the track to run the other train?

Bus bars

http://www.jcstudiosinc.com/Bl...d=432&categoryId=426

Triggering signals

http://www.jcstudiosinc.com/Bl...d=410&categoryId=426

2 trains on a loop automated,can be made to work with sidings. If not automated simple toggle switches and insulated center rails for blocks.

http://www.jcstudiosinc.com/Bl...d=612&categoryId=426

General electrical

http://www.jcstudiosinc.com/Bl...tegoryMain?catId=426

http://www.jcstudiosinc.com/Bl...tegoryMain?catId=559

Dale H

Dale, thanks for the info and links... too bad not everyone can take a good question and just give an answer that someone is seeking. The art of reading and comprehension of escaped many of us, it seems.

quote:

Originally posted by southernrr:
Dale, thanks for the info and links... too bad not everyone can take a good question and just give an answer that someone is seeking. The art of reading and comprehension of escaped many of us, it seems.

While Dale is a very good go to guy for Electrical questions there are a lot of others out there myself included that would have asked the same questions Dewey asked.
I don't know what the guy has for a layout or his desired needs/ wants or
What he has available. In other words my crystal ball is in the shop for repairs . I can't read his mind

Most question can be answered if the poster is specific as to their requirements because of layout size, Operating requirements and accessories.
When someone is asking a question and folks like Dewey are just trying to help
I think a comment like yours is totally out of line.
Maybe in some cases the art of comprehension is lost on the reader.

But in this case the art of being tactful was totally wasted on you.

David

[quote]Conventional operation or Command Control?, how much trackage---how large the layout? How many power districts,loops, blocks or operating throttles?
Layout electrical load? For railpower how many locomotives, old postwar or modern motors?, how many lighted passenger cars with incandescent bulbs?
What accessories and lighted units, powered track switches?

Conventional Operation
Not sure on track yet. 24' long runs 4-8' wide table? Still planning.
Not sure on power districts yet - or what that means.
I would look 2-3 separate loops to run separate throttles.
Postwar and some modern loco's
Many lighted cars? Not sure we have 12 so far.
Lots of lighted buildings, signals, lamp posts.

6-8 powered track switches.

If you run modern locos make sure you add a TVS to each loop. If you run older PW type transformers,I suggest also adding an external breaker or fuse.

LED lighting for buildings and passenger cars, discussed on the Forum here will greatly reduce power requirement.

Properly plan and size bus lines for accessories and trains.

When laying track make outside insulated rails for accessory activation.

Take some time to plan your layout so you can accomplish what you seek to do.. Ask any questions on the layout forum. There are some very good modelers here but I am not one of them. There are more than one way to do things and we all approach problems differently. I think it is great that you share time with your kids,enjoy them while you have time.

We are all friends here so lets keep it civil. The hobby is to escape from our problems and for our enjoyment. Some questions do need some specifics to be answered better. Sometimes the hardest part for a novice is to learn what questions to ask. Happy new year to all Forum members and their families.

Dale H

WHAT I DID WITH MY LAYOUT IS RAN 14 GAUGE WIRE AROUND THE COMPLETE LAYOUT PER LOOP OF TRACK. ABOUT EVERY 6 FEET I RAN FEEDERS TO MY TRACK WITH USING SUITCASE WIRE LOCKS. THIS WAY YOU WILL HAVE NO VOLTAGE DROPS. YOU SHOULD RUN 14 GAUGE WIRE FOR EACH SEPARATE LOOP OF TRACK YOU RUN. ALSO A GOOD TRANSFORMER WITH ALOT OF POWER PER TRACK IS GOOD. 150WATTS OR SO. I BUILT MY OWN POWER SYSTEM. YOU SHOULD USE SEPERATE TRANSFORMERS FOR SWITCHES AND LIGHTING, ACCESSORIES. THATS THE WAY TO GO. SEPERATE TRANSFORMERS ON TRACK POWER ONLY.

kenv;
The convention here on the forum is to use lower case. It's much easier to read. Upper case only is considered SHOUTING and isn't done.

Almost one year later!

I took some days off work to do some fun work.

I built the tables the other day.

The back run will be close to 24 foot long!

 

Tonight I leveled them.

 

Tomorrow I will glue the sound board, trim the table, spackle and prep for paint.

 

I still need to figure out how to wire.

I have read about a common that would follow the track.

But not sure what wire to get?

 

 

 

Cheapest wire you can get is household extension cords both indoor and outdoor. Cut off the ends,  the wire is #16,easy to cut and use. 

 

Dale H