11-14-2009, 04:59 PM
Josh:
How big is the layout? Are you using flextrack/lay-your-own or sectional?
A layout should get at least one feeder on each loop (if you have a circle of doubletrack). Ideally, there should be a feeder for each length of rail (2 3-foot lengths soldered together are one length).
If you are running single locos, then a short feeder of light wire every so often should be enough. If you are running 5-unit diesels of old Athearn or Varney or brass, then something heavier is needed, or multiple wires. If you will be running a couple of 5-unit diesels (2 Super Chiefs passing) you may want to run a separate bus for each mainline, and make them separate power districts.
I agree with nachoman that house wiring is probably overkill, but the ease of getting it and the usually cheap price will be worth it.
Check your connections. We had a layout and one whole section was getting erratic feed. It turned out that the bus had come undone between two sections and the current was all going through one loose rail joiner which made bad contact when a train passed over it.
How big is the layout? Are you using flextrack/lay-your-own or sectional?
A layout should get at least one feeder on each loop (if you have a circle of doubletrack). Ideally, there should be a feeder for each length of rail (2 3-foot lengths soldered together are one length).
If you are running single locos, then a short feeder of light wire every so often should be enough. If you are running 5-unit diesels of old Athearn or Varney or brass, then something heavier is needed, or multiple wires. If you will be running a couple of 5-unit diesels (2 Super Chiefs passing) you may want to run a separate bus for each mainline, and make them separate power districts.
I agree with nachoman that house wiring is probably overkill, but the ease of getting it and the usually cheap price will be worth it.
Check your connections. We had a layout and one whole section was getting erratic feed. It turned out that the bus had come undone between two sections and the current was all going through one loose rail joiner which made bad contact when a train passed over it.
David
Moderato ma non troppo
Perth & Exeter Railway Company
Esquesing & Chinguacousy Radial Railway
In model railroading, there are between six and two hundred ways of performing a given task.
Most modellers can get two of them to work.
Moderato ma non troppo
Perth & Exeter Railway Company
Esquesing & Chinguacousy Radial Railway
In model railroading, there are between six and two hundred ways of performing a given task.
Most modellers can get two of them to work.