How to create or add bus wires to small layout?
#1
I have a small N scale layout that is about 3’ wide by 6’ long. It consists basically of two loops with sidings. However, I have only one set of wires going to one of its loops from my transformer and two sets going to the other loop. As a result, the layout often has problems with not enough current reaching all of its sections. To get around this, I keep having to re-solder track joints.
To solve this, can anyone point me to a book or website where I can get clear instructions & diagrams of how to connect several bus wires to the various loops? I've seen a few online but some look complicated. 
Wiring is not my specialty so I want to keep it simple, plus, it’s only a small layout. Do I need, for example, a small wiring hub that various bus wires from the track would connect into?

Thanks in advance, Rob
Rob
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#2
Hi Rob,

DC or DCC?

I assume you are using DC...

Quickest solution is to add more drop wires from the rails to the existing bus wires.

With DC you may want to consider dividing the layout into blocks so that you can run more than one train at a time.

IIRC you're in T.O. so...  Go to the Library: Wiring handbook for toy trains : traditional layout wiring   https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/deta...&R=2562841

The Best book is "How to Wire Your Model Railroad by Linn Westcott: https://www.etsy.com/listing/644402846/h...ad-by-linn
Ron Wm. Hurlbut
Toronto, Ontario, Dominion of Canada
Ontario Narrow Gauge Show
Humber Valley & Simcoe Railway Blog
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#3
Thanks for your feedback, Ron -- good memory! I'll try the library then. Yes, it's DC.
Rob
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#4
The Best book is "How to Wire Your Model Railroad by Linn Westcott: https://www.etsy.com/listing/644402846/h...ad-by-linn
Ron Wm. Hurlbut
Toronto, Ontario, Dominion of Canada
Ontario Narrow Gauge Show
Humber Valley & Simcoe Railway Blog
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#5
(09-24-2020, 12:20 PM)RobertInOntario Wrote: Thanks for your feedback, Ron -- good memory! I'll try the library then. Yes, it's DC.

There's only one copy of this book at North York Central Branch, but you can put a hold on in from the link I used. It's available so it won't take long to get to a branch near you.
Ron Wm. Hurlbut
Toronto, Ontario, Dominion of Canada
Ontario Narrow Gauge Show
Humber Valley & Simcoe Railway Blog
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#6
Thanks, Ron. I also found a very old Atlas book called "Wiring Your Layout" by Paul Mallery (originally written in the 50s, updated in the 80s!) that would still be useful for DC layouts. I was surprised I was able to find it so easily in my books -- usually I have to dig & hunt like crazy.
Rob
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#7
(09-24-2020, 11:23 AM)RobertInOntario Wrote: I have a small N scale layout that is about 3’ wide by 6’ long. It consists basically of two loops with sidings. However, I have only one set of wires going to one of its loops from my transformer and two sets going to the other loop. As a result, the layout often has problems with not enough current reaching all of its sections. To get around this, I keep having to re-solder track joints....

If you've soldered the rail joints, there should be no need for a bus wire of any type, especially on a layout that small.  Not counting staging yards and double track, nor industrial sidings, I'm running roughly 300' of mainline track using two wires soldered to the rails, as seen...HERE.
I often use multiple locomotives on trains, due to the many grades and curves (often occurring in the same places), and have run over a dozen locomotives at a time, with no noticeable degradation in their performance.

It sounds to me as if your rail joiner soldering is perhaps not yet complete...one poor or missed connection can louse-up everything.

Wayne
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#8
My N scale layout is just about the same size as yours. I don't have a power bus, rather, I did what's called a "home run", where I brought each block to one location and used insulated rail joiners to separate the blocks. I tied them all together while I was testing, then brought them to individual switches for block control. A #22 gauge wire can handle up to one amp and even a few feet of wire won't have that much voltage drop even with a couple of N scale engines running.

But Wayne is right, I've never agreed with the power bus thing either if you have good connections all around. If you're not using blocks, you can still add wires every few feet if you choose to and home run them to one point, no power bus required.
Don (ezdays) Day
Board administrator and
founder of the CANYON STATE RAILROAD
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#9
Don, Wayne: Thanks for your feedback. I'm beginning to think you're right. I was asking about the bus wire thing b/c the layout will often work fine for days or weeks, and then trains will suddenly stall at certain locations and I have to get out my soldering iron again. So I have to experiment to find where the bad join is and then solder. And, yes, maybe I'll solder more wire joins to the problematic areas.
Rob
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