erw
New Member
Posts: 6
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Post by erw on Dec 2, 2019 13:08:18 GMT -5
I am new to Z Scale with some experience in N and a small amount of experience with HO. However my last venture into the hobby was 25 years ago and I don't want to rely on what I think I know. After much reading I am still in a quandary as to what gauge wire to use. The layout is 9' x 6'. I have decided to go with dual cab DC block control with common rail wiring at the recommendation of a dealer / member of this forum. The double mainline / outer loop is just under 24' in length with various sidings / yard / reverse loop branching off it. My thought is to use 22 gauge solid wire for the track feeders spaced approximately 30" apart connecting to 16 gauge stranded wire for the buses. I would very much appreciate any feedback, thoughts, recommendations, etc. concerning this. Thank you in advance and apologies if this is just too basic and I'm missing the obvious answer.
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Post by markm on Dec 2, 2019 13:48:39 GMT -5
Welcome to Z and welcome to the forum.
Your selection of wire type and size is quite reasonable. Z scale locomotives are generally very low power and for the size of your layout you could also use 18-20 gauge wire for the buses. My only concern is your use to the term "common rail wiring." Each DC cab/throttle should be wired independently. If you have a common connection between the two, the outcome can be unfortunate.
There are no questions that are too dumb or too basic. The only bad questions are the ones not asked.
Mark
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erw
New Member
Posts: 6
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Post by erw on Dec 3, 2019 0:38:57 GMT -5
Thank you so much Mark. Btw I'm Eric. The term "common-rail wiring" and procedures comes from Larry Puckett's "Wiring Your Model Railroad", page 40 and "The Complete Atlas Wiring Book" pages 11 - 15. Actually in the Atlas book almost all wiring diagrams indicate "common-rail wiring". If you see issues with this please don't be bashful as I'm at a point that I can change to prevent later problems. Once again, thanks for the help! Eric
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Post by markm on Dec 3, 2019 12:29:21 GMT -5
Eric, I have to say I'd never heard of "common-rail" wiring. Thanks for the references. I'll try to find copies as they don't seem to be available online. However, there is this site: www.building-your-model-railroad.com/model-railroad-wiring.htmlIs this essentially what the books are saying? I don't want to run counter to the books or confuse you, but the only time you really have a "common-rail" negative is if you run the trains in only one direction. Typically the engineer's right is the positive rail. When the train turns around (or you run it backwards) the other rail is positive. You haven't mentioned much about your layout plans, but you did mention a reversing loop: When you go around the loop, you reach the upper gaps which are an opposite polarity from the main line. So you need toad a switch to reverse the polarity of the main line: So you have the mainline "common-rail" now the active rail. The same would be true if you have a passing siding for opposing trains. I like to build my layouts as idiot-proof as possible. So I keep each cab separate, with two feed wires running with the tracks. I wire nothing track related common. I always gap or insulate both rails at the same point and use double pole switches for routing power. I hope this helps and isn't too confusing, Mark
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erw
New Member
Posts: 6
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Post by erw on Dec 3, 2019 14:03:44 GMT -5
Hey Mark, On the link that you sent, under the topic "1. Analog (non-digital) Model Railroad Wiring" at the bottom is a very short discussion (with diagram) of common rail wiring. It appears to me to be viable with the exception of Reverse Loops, Wyes and Turntables which would have to be totally isolated. For sure this is a learning situation and will do more research before applying solder to rail. I scanned two diagrams from the resources that I mentioned but don't know how to post them to you... Really appreciate you spending time with an old beginner! Eric
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Post by markm on Dec 3, 2019 16:09:38 GMT -5
Eric,
To post images (and other links) you need to be on the Create Post page. If you are replying using quick reply box on the bottom of this page, click on the reply button in the upper right. On the Create Post page there is an Add Attachment button on the upper right. When you click on it, you are allowed to download 2 files per post, 1MB per file. The dialog will allow you to insert the image code in your reply. It will be interesting to see what you have.
Mark
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