63 Collectable Model Trains: Layouts: Wiring
Description
This article is from the Model Trains FAQ, by Christopher D Coleman with numerous contributions by others.
63 Collectable Model Trains: Layouts: Wiring
All too many tinplate operators think it is necessary to run two wires
from the transformer to each item on a layout. A better idea is to run
feeders the length of the layout and connect leads from them to each
accessory. Color coding helps immensely in tracing faulty wires and
shorts. The system I've developed is shown below:
insulated +-----------------------------------+-------------+
rail______|________________ | #45 gateman |
_______________________ TRACK | |
_________|_____________ +------------| |
| | | +-------------+
| |LEADS |
| | |
COLOR | | FEEDERS | SUPPLY LOAD
black------*---|--*----------------|------ground or common
black------*---|--|----------------|------ground or common
| | | |
| | | |
red--------|---*--|----------------|------ZW A -- loop 1 upgrades
orange-----|------|----------------*------ZW B -- signals
yellow-----|------|-----------------------ZW C -- accessories
green------|------|-----------------------ZW D -- loop 1 downgrades
blue-----*-|------|-----------------------B -- lights
violet---|-|------|-----------------------KW A -- loop 2
red------|-|------|-----------------------KW B -- loop 3
orange---|-|------|-----------------------T -- loop 4
| | |
+---------------+ | +-------------+
| #394 Beacon | +--| Lumber mill |-+
+---------------+ +-------------+ |
|
thru controller
to accessory lug
I run these feeders the length of the layout, in sections connected by
buss bars (screw terminal strips), and supply leads can be spiced in
at the buss connections about every 4'. In this arrangement it is
important to separate the ground feeder from the others by a foot or
so, to avoid shorts. I strongly recommend the use of copper over
aluminum wires, as where powerful postwar transformers can fry
aluminum without tripping the circuit breaker. I also recommend 14 to
16 gauge wire for the feeders and 18 to 20 for leads. Two ground
feeders are recommended since they are the return path for all
current.
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