Skip to main content

Ok guys I would like some input on which way is the best way to wire my layout efficiently and correctly. I have a 5x8 layout using lionel fastrack. I have a double loop with an interlocking. My switches are powered by a CW-40 transformer and are wired through a  "Buss Terminal". The main power to the layout is ran off a CW-80 transformer with only one power feed going to a power terminal track. Now my question is this, Lionel's video shows them coming out of the transformer with a power and ground and running the wire underneath the layout and ending it right at the end of the transformer. Then they say drop power feeds about every 20'' of track and wire it to the main wire you ran under the layout. The other form of wiring is "Buss Terminal" wiring as per what I did to wire the switches. I have 2 - 12 port buss terminals one ground and one power and I ran the power from the switch to the terminal and samefor the ground wire. Am I better off going with Lionel's way of wiring or go with the "Buss" wiring method and run feed from the terminal to every 20'' or so of track?

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

John right now I am running conventional. However I will eventually get into DCS and Legacy locomotives. I want to wire everything up and make sure I have enough power before I move onto the next step of my layout.

Picture 1

 

This is what my current track plan looks like... I plan on adding some o36 switches for industrys in the coming weeks. 

Attachments

Images (1)
  • Picture 1

You'd probably get away with just connecting up to a couple of drops, this is small enough that most of the signal issues probably wouldn't occur.

 

Here's what I'd probably consider, planning for the future.

 

Wire the power to a central location under the table to a terminal block.  Then run individual drops to the spots indicated.  For DCS, the star wiring is recommended, that's what this is.  Next, for DCS you'd want the center rail broken at the break spots indicated.  The two breaks at the switches separate the two loops so you can run conventional separately on each loop.  I'm assuming two power feeds for conventional or command on this print.

track wiring

Attachments

Images (1)
  • track wiring

Thanks again John. I plan on buying the MTH 100watt power brick to power each loop. I have old lionel transformers for the switches and accessories. My plans were to come out of the 100 watt transformer and plug that into the TIU. From the TIU I will run power wires to the MTH 24 port terminal block. From there I will run power drops with lionels power track wires to the terminal. The only thing I am not sure of is how to put "breaks" into my layout. Do they sell some sort of adapter for lionel fastrack to isolate the rails? How do I go about with doing "breaks".

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×