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Hi Everyone, I'm just after a bit of advice on how to wire my outdoor 2 track layout, I intend to run a buss wire around the layout inbetween the tracks so i can run feeders off every so often to both tracks, i have a lionel zw transformer to power everything and a legacy controller, I dont intend on running many loco's at once (maybe 3-4) and was wondering if i would be able to use the A-U terminal only.

Each track length is roughly 75-85 feet in circumference.

Any advice would be really appreciated.

Regards, Chris

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Most use 12 gauge here for a bus. Reduces voltage drop and increases ampacity.

 Using an 85ft. run you'll get a 2.8% voltage drop at the end of the run. 12 only has a 1.4% drop and can carry 9 amps easily, whereas the 16 may only be good for 4 amps.

Depends on your locos and lighted cars.

 

Go with what's available and see what happens.

Good Luck and Have Fun! Post a pic when your running.

 

 

Originally Posted by stringbob:

Hi Everyone, I'm just after a bit of advice on how to wire my outdoor 2 track layout, I intend to run a buss wire around the layout inbetween the tracks so i can run feeders off every so often to both tracks, i have a lionel zw transformer to power everything and a legacy controller, I dont intend on running many loco's at once (maybe 3-4) and was wondering if i would be able to use the A-U terminal only.

Each track length is roughly 75-85 feet in circumference.

Any advice would be really appreciated.

Regards, Chris

What are you using for track?

If it is an older ZW supply power from A-U to track one and D-U to track two. That way you can control both tracks seperately and have whistle control if needed.

I have run three powered Williams SD-45's(6 motors total) from one handle control of a post war 275 watt ZW.

 

Don't use 16 AWG wire for a main run for the buss line, too small for a long run. For power drops from the bus line it is OK.

 

Lee Fritz

It's good for 12 amps as far as the heat generated will not melt the insulation.

You will still lose Volts in a long run. This is sub optimal but usable as long as you don't need those volts to run the train. You may find the trains slow down excessively at the far end. The more amps you pull the more volts you will lose in a given length.

Have you considered trenching the wires direct across the middle to reduce length?

This will also reduce loss.

Also, are you considering Command Control?  Considerations for this are also appropriate.

 

Good Luck, Sounds like Fun!

Originally Posted by stringbob:

Hi Dale, Thanks for the input its really appreciated, The reason i went for stranded wire is because i was told that the voltage travelled easier through stranded than through solid wire, I plan to encase the cable through plastic tubing and have junction boxes wherever i have a feeder.

Regards, Chris

It does but not enough to make an appreciable difference. I use Romex for buses on my layout.

 

Dale H

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