TIU placement

John HOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

On my new layout I am trying to follow Barry's recommendations on wiring. I have two loops with some sidings on each one. I am thinking a TIU channel for each loop. Is the best place for the TIU in the center of the "U" with the terminal blocks in the same area? I also have three conventional engines. Should I use the variable channels and switch between fixed and variable depending on what is running? I would like the option of either on both loops if possible. Or could I use a DPDT to switch between variable and fixed on the TIU?

John

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WV Central RR, 20 x 20, FasTrack.rrt

12/22/1410:48 AM

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RJROGR Forum Member

Best place for TIU would be in the center of the U, as you suggest, to minimize wire runs.

There is absolutely no need to switch between fixed and variable depending on what you run. Just use variable, and when you're running DCS, set the track voltage to about 18. When running conventional, vary the track voltage from the remote as needed. You can also run both at the same time, if the conventional train is a heavier load (like more cars) than the DCS train

12/22/145:31 PM

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John HOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Thanks, RJR. I will use aux power anyway, so I will use your suggestion.

John

12/22/146:36 PM

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Pine Creek RailroadOGR Forum Member

John H,

The only thing I do recommend when you have an even larger layout is to keep the DCS TIU just slightly above the layout. I did this with my Office/Game Room layout and only had to use one TIU to control many different levels and tracks because I used

all the TR and P2 controls at the same time. Notice in the pictures the TIU is just above the 1st level of the layout.

PCRR/Dave