Runners

I would have power drops every three or four feet.  I like stranded wire, it does not kink up as much as the solid, which would be useful on a carpet railroad. I lightly solder (tinning) the ends of the stranded wire about 1/4 inch so that it stays firm.  Regarding wire size, on a regular layout on a platform, some will have a bus bar wire of 16 or 18 gauge for both the power and common lines and then attach the power drops using  22 gauge wire.  The bigger the layout the lower the wire gauge for the bus.  I think you could use bus wires under your track on the carpet,  and then connect the drops to the power wires using these connectors that do not require soldering.

@Kenneth Willis posted:

Hi just wanted opinions on how many leads I should run on this 8 by 8 layout. Also stranded or solid wire and what thickness of wire.

Thank You.

get yourself a spool of 14 or 16 gauge speaker wire at the homedepot. The nice this is it is stranded clear conductor cover and one is copper and one is silver easy to work with and keep the conductors straight

as far as power connections, here's what I would do:

one on the very bottom track (bottom , as in the picture) in the center.

one of the next track up - between the 2 switches in the center.

one or two on the very top track.  two is best though.  i think 3 would be overkill myself.

two on the figure eight.

I think that should handle anything that you want to run.  My opiinion anywayts.

- walt

I agree with Walt's analysis, that should be fine. Speaker wire is a great choice, easy to get, relatively cheap and easy to work with. If you find a power drop in an area on the layout, you can always add another drop if need be.

Hi Everyone,

Sorry so long getting back on here. Christmas Rush ! I appreciate everyone's comments. I have a lot of food for thought. I picked up 18 gauge speaker wire and am in the process of making some leads.

Thank You, Kenneth

@bigkid posted:

I agree with Walt's analysis, that should be fine. Speaker wire is a great choice, easy to get, relatively cheap and easy to work with. If you find a power drop in an area on the layout, you can always add another drop if need be.

Lol ! I agree !