Hey I have a small O-36 layout. Now if I were to get DCS would I need a bunch of wires or just a transformer and a brick too operate it. Thanks. Oh and my layout consist of an R142A and an R21. Thanks
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A wiring drop is good for anything that is 20-30 feet long If more than that you will need one per that length and cut the middle rails
When I bought my DCS I already had a small layout. At that time I simply hooked it up to the lock on and it worked perfectly. Did not have to change anything. I was using a ZW as a power source. I was actually shocked how easy it was.
As the layout grew I then did the wiring in the correct / recommended way.
I have the DCS for a few years and have added it to two tracks and powered the TIU base with an MTH Z-750(75 watt brick) that I bought at a train show. I can run in command and conventional or track voltage mode with the TIU being powered.
As for wiring additional power to the tracks, my idea is every third or fourth track section add another power supply to keep the voltage at it's peek. Adding extra power wires every six feet or further is too far at times depending on what track size you are using. I am using the old type of tubular track.
Lee F.
Ok thanks. I have Lionel fasttrack is that still ok. I'm switching to atlas track soon though because fastback is kind of a piece of crap. 
Before switching over totally to any other track system, buy a small amount and try it out first! You may not like the results, example; Fastrac. I bought some Fastrac, both brand new and some used sections and I hated that track.
Fastrac is way tooo high priced for me, do a special pattern and then see about the prices; fitter pieces $4.50 or more each, and works electrically worse than tubular track does.
Traded off the Fastrac at a train show in broward county FL for an MTH engine that I wanted.
I like Gargraves track, but that is my opion.
Lee F.
My "main" layout pretty much fills a 12x12 room, which is all I have space for. The layout is equipped with Lionel FasTrack. I run DCS, Legacy, and TMCC locomotives and have, at this point, exactly two wires connected between my Z4000 transformer and the track. Everything works just fine (the layout currently has nine FasTrack switches). Various sidings will be wired independently for power at some point; at the present time most all are "live" at all times.
I agree with Allen just hook up the two wires and see how it works. That's what the video says to do.
