Turntable and storage/roundhouse tracks.

I would say no. As long as all of these tracks are connected by way of a common ground, the Legacy base only needs to be connected in one spot.

We tied all the common's together (outside rails), TT bridge, RH tracks and whisker tracks. Just like you would your loops. Then each track (center rail) is wired to a toggle switch so we can turn power off when engines are parked there.

I strongly suggest connecting both outside rails of each track together. Because each track is just a stub track and not connected to any other part of the layout, its simple and quick to do this in beginning rather than go back later and try to connect another common wire inside the RH, if something were to happen to the feeder. Bad connection, cut the wire by mistake, corrosion etc etc

Thank you both  tr18 and Laidoffsick, for the information.  I didn't think about the common rail still carrying the signal with it also.  Makes more sense now.  I am planning to use toggles on the center rail for each track and sidings too.   The idea of connecting both outside rails never occurred to me.  Can or should I think about connecting both outside rails on the entire layout, also?  Will it benefit me by doing this to the entire layout?

Patrick

 

From purely a TMCC signal strength perspective, yes it makes sense to use both outside rails.

 

However, it also depends on whether you are using one of the outside rails for other things such as detection lights on a control panel or to activate a signal system or other accessories.

 

John

I see.  There could be signal interference if other accessories or circuits use that rail also.  Keeping the common rail electrically clean would give the best performance, thanks John.

 

Laidoffsick, you have a beautiful video of your layout.  Really love your yard setup!

Actually it's not a question of "interference", just that most accessories require an isolated rail.

Interesting thread.

 

I currently have a scratch-built TT on my conventional layout.  It is a little bit of a PITA to have separate power for the stubs, the TT bridge track, and the rest of the layout.

 

Yet another reason to take the plunge into TMCC!

 

Jim

Go for it!!