Layout wiring

Bruce

Some questions

First, 2 X 6's?? How big will your layout be?

Second, again how big/complex will the layout be? This would determine the complexity of the wiring and therefore determine how many wires, how many colors, etc.

Final comment. If you are going to color code the wires, I don't really see a need/benefit to also running them through separate holes.

Just my .02

Depends on what all you are doing with your layout. I have used wire from an auto parts store in 16 gauge with 4 wires in it and they  were different colors. Don't try to use too small a wire or it may burn up in time, go with at least 16 gauge wire for O gauge trains.

Lee Fritz

John,

I've attached a couple pics.  The layout will be around 225 sq ft.  Using the 2x6 with no legs and 24" on center.  May be a little over kill but I want something to hold my weight if I'm crawling around on the top.  Thanks!

bruce

WOW.  That is some heavy duty framing.  I'm assuming that you had some extra wood from building your house.  That will hold your weight and a that of a few helpers. 

Your track plan will tell you, but generally a 1/3, center and 2/3 hole about 3/4" will work.

Pull a lot of it before you deck it. It will save your back and under layout time.

Mark,

i like your idea of using the clamps and not threading the wire.  With no legs underneath, my initial concern was hitting my head on something hanging down while rolling around but if I keep them along the ends, I should be ok.

Mikes,

You are correct about the framing.  I'm using my wife's credit card to pay for it.  

Bruce

0311 posted:

Mark,

i like your idea of using the clamps and not threading the wire.  With no legs underneath, my initial concern was hitting my head on something hanging down while rolling around but if I keep them along the ends, I should be ok.

Mikes,

You are correct about the framing.  I'm using my wife's credit card to pay for it.  

 

Bruce

another option to the clamps are these zip ties which can be screwed to the framing. A lot less expensive than the pvc clamps and won't hurt as much if you hit your head on one.

0311 posted:

I'm building my layout and would like to pre-drill the 2x6's before laying the plywood down.  How many holes, what size and what configuration should they be?  I would like to keep each color wire separately.  How many different color wires do you suggest will be sufficient?  I appreciate any help or ideas.  Thanks!

Bruceust friendly advice, re-think your bench-work.  Do NOT construct a piece of bench-work so wide that you have to climb on it.  It is a bad idea.

With the right drill, you should be able to add holes as needed any time.  This drill easily works 16" centers.

banjoflyer posted:

There's an easier way to go. Attach PVC conduit clamps (various sizes) to the underside of the frame work with 1 or 2 screws. You can then add or remove wires at any time by pivoting the clamp and accessing the wires. This will avoid the frustration of threading wires through holes in the frame work.

 

Mark

I also used these, used one screw per clamp, you can just pull the unscrewed end down to add another wire if needed. They worked great and don't hurt if you bump into them. This was a tip from someone here on the forum a few years ago, sorry I don't remember who it was. I think I used 3/4" & 1", but using the 1" for everything would have also been fine and left extra room. Use larger ones if you have a lot of wires, leave space for more wire later on, in case you want to add something.