A couple of simple DCS wiring Questions

I use 16 gauge speaker for the main feeds then 18 up to the track. the bay has all you need. For the money its all you will ever need. I use black and red. The gauge of the wire is based on the load and length of the run. With that said TIU has a 20 amp fuse and then what your power supply puts out 180 brick will pop at 10 amps. My layout is a little bigger than what you are building but I have not had any problems.  ebay link removed due to OGR TOS.

Henry

Question -- What is the purpose of that white stringy material?

You can grab hold of the white stringy material and pull it down to cut through the outer sheath to separate the wires from the sheath.

Pat, I guarantee everyone has their own method. I personally like some form of a bus I know that’s not the best for DCS but I’ve never had too much of a problem.

i would definitely recommend between the transformer and TIU and TIU to a breakout board (assuming you used star wiring) I’d use 14AWG stranded wire.

if you continue with that from there are to break out and go to the track you could used the same 18AWG stranded wire you have that is like a com cable so an electrical supply would call that 18/2 stranded. Fun fact the string is there to cut the outer jacket back more if needed.

I would say again in my thought if probably over doing it that if any of your runs are 15-20’ 16/2 might be better to keep any voltage drop issues from showing up.

A lot of the wire sizing will depend on what you plan on running. Most new locomotives don’t pull much smoke unit adds some draw. Or older incessant passenger cars pull a LOT just sitting.