Wiring Questions?

[mike8693]

So i have a 8 by 10 layout with 3 loops around the entire thing and a few sidings. It isn't that big of a layout so what is the smallest bus I can run since i will only have 3-5 trains running at once. I was thinking 16 awg bus and 20 awg feeders? I am almost totally broke and am trying to keep the costs down. Also what conectors can i use that like clip over both wires and clip them together like scothchlok instant electric conectors or something? I see the prices for like a thing of 12 gauge wire for like 50 bucks a color and am like wow crap. thanks for any help. links are always good

 

[UP2CSX]

12 gauge wire is overkill for a railroad that size. I'd probably go with 14 AWG if I had the funds but I think 16 AWG will be more than adequate for a bus. For feeders, I uses short lengths of 22 AWG to actually solder to the track and then connect that to 20 AWG going to the bus. I find 22 AWG is easier to use for a crummy solderer like me and its smaller size looks less obtrusive on the track.

 

[RexHea]

Mike, for an 8x10 layout you shouldn't need but one pair of bus wires (14awg or 16awg) running down the middle. It won't hurt a thing to connect 4-5 foot lengths of 22awg wire for your power feeds. Keep in mind that even though this 22awg is small, the current is divided through all power feeds, all of the time.
Connectors: Many like the "suitcase" type connectors, but I prefer to solder my wires to the bus. The clip type are fine IF you are careful and get a good bite on the wires, but sometimes that is the problem.

 

[Dougget]

Are you DC or DCC?
If DC, do you control each of the three loops with separate power packs? If so, you would probably need 3 bus lines.

Check out places like home depot and lowes. You may find odd lengths of wire for sale or on clearence for cheap.

The cheapest (and best) way to connect wire is with solder.
At RadioShack, you can get a roll of solder for $4 and a gun for $8. That will make many many connections. You can check Harbor Freight for soldering equipment too.

I don't use the "squeeze and fold" connectors anymore because they usually cut some strands of the wire. Not good.

Hope that helps.
Doug

 

[mike8693]

Thanks guys. I am dcc I found a guy on ebay that sell 100 foot sections of 16 awg wire for 12 bucks in many colors with free shipping. I'll probably end up soldering bus to terminal strips but its gonna be quite the acrobatic act. =)

 

[RexHea]

Mike:
Just take some wire strippers and bite down through the insulation on the bus where you want to connect (don't cut bus).

Push the insulation to the left and right about 1/2-1" with stripper. (If you use solid conductor, let the strippers kind of scar-up the copper by sliding them back in forth.)

Strip back about 1.5"-2" of insulation on the rail feed wire, tin it with solder and then wrap it around the skinned place on the bus tightly.

Apply the hot soldering iron to the wrapped wire and bus together, then apply more solder when you see the tinning solder start to melt. That's it! No terminals involved.

 

[Selector]

Rex is my hero because he's so big and strong.

I agree with the wrap and solder approach. I did exactly that and have had one 'issue' where one of my sloppier solders let go and the engine passing through that district let me know of it. Five minutes later, iron already cooling, I was back running trains.

If I could urge you to take your time and do this in a couple of sessions if you find it tiring or hard on you. Better to do a good job so that you don't regret or repeat. Additionally, try to keep it as organized and tidy as you can..use staples or retainers of some kind so that you don't snag drooping feeders here and there. Anything to keep the wires up out of the way if you can.

I also agree with the gentlemen who say 12-14 gauge is really overkill. Use 16 gauge for as short and convenient a run as you can so that your thinner feeders don't have to reach more than about 36" tops. Even then, I have one long pair of 20 gauge feeders powering my whole staging complex, a total of about 40' of track. I have no power issues at all.

Good luck. Let us know how it turns out will ya'?

-Crandell

 

[mike8693]

Thanks for your help everyone I sold my wii on ebay today and ordered some of my suppies on ebay and am hoping to get all my tracks operational by sunday. I still have to get alot of my staging tracks down but that should take maybe an hour since you wont see them so I can get them down quickly. I got purple wire for positive and neon yellow for negative and it should make it easier to see.