Wiring my Layout

Short answer:

First, place a insulated pin in the center rail between the crossovers to separate the power districts[loops].

Second extend wire runs from the one throttle's binding posts[Hot "A" and Commom "U"] to the outer loop center[Hot] and outer rail[comm].......

Then, extend a similar wire run from the other throttle's posts to the inner loop....

When an engine is crossing the crossover try to approximately equalize the voltage on the two throttles since one locomotive pickup roller will be in the trailing district and the other in the leading district. If running in Command it is not necessary since both districts are at a fixed 18 VAC.

Where in N.C.?

Thanks for the speedy reply!

So how do I do the insulated rail in fastrack? Do I need to get an insulated track section?

I am in Lexington, NC

There are no insulated pins for Fastrack. The easiest way is to insert a 1 and 3/8 section between the crossovers and remove the wire underneath. Otherwise you have to cut the center rail or the center pins of the connection between the turnouts.

John

Thanks John,

I didn't think there was much I could do with the track itself. So the remote switches come with the section with the wire, correct? I will remove it and hope for the best! My layout was nearly complete last year, but a catastrophic scenery faliure caused the "Layout Restoration Project" to be put into play. I will let you know how it goes. Thanks,

Troy

I did it and it works great. Thanks Guys

Another big help is to get Lionel Fastrack book, it was what we used when we built our 6 by 11 layout.  It was nice for reference on block sections to setting up multiple lines on one layout.  Nick

Thanks! I will order that now. I can't believe I don't have it, when it is at the check out counter of the hobby shop!

I have the two Fastrack books I would sell very reasonably. If interested, contact me at jhuen@frontiernet.net.

John

Sorry John, I didn't get your reply until just now, and I have already received my copy. If you have any other books you would like to sell, let me know: tcr2300@gmail.com

OK, so I have purchased most of the items needed for this project, but could someone explain what the terminal block is for, and how i can get the track, toggle, and the power wired up together?

The terminal block ties all the wires in the loop together.  All the wire drops from the track go to the block and a wire from the transformer goes to the block.  All the terminal screws in the block are connected internally.

You just use the terminal block instead of splicing wires together. It provides secure and organized connection, with easy access for changes and tests.

I found these at this company.  http://www.alliedelec.com/sear...il.aspx?SKU=70078316  I purchased the jumper and can connect on supply line and have 19 lines coming out.  The CMB4 Terminal block can be assembled to any length you need.  The jumpers are a little tricky to install, but I figured out how to do it quickly.  CMB4-10 $6.55  10 slot Jumper $2.29.  I bought ten of each.

Troy

It appears that you already have an 8-position Radio Shack Terminal Strip[T-strip, or barrier strip]. If so, go buy another T-strip and a pair of 8-position plate jumpers. One strip will be used for Hot wire distribution and the other for Common.

With hacksaw or tin snips cut one of the jumpers in half, you now have two 4-position jumpers. Place both 4-position cut jumpers on the 8-position Hot T-strip under the screw heads making certain the cut jumpers do not touch each other. Connect a wire run Hot conductor from one throttle binding post["A"]to under a screw head of one of the 4-position jumpered strips. Do the same for a Hot wire to the other 4-position strip, fed from throttle["D"].

You now have 8 energized Hot screws on each of the 4-position jumpered strips fed from the two separate throttles, available to feed multiple locations on each separate track loop, either direct to center rail [or switched at toggles if desired].

With the second 8-position T-strip and 8-position plate jumper simply install the jumper as is and connect a wire run from any transformer Common [U"] post to any screw head on the 8-position strip. You have now created a "Layout Common Distribution Strip" wherein any of the 16 screw heads provides connection for a Common feed direct to the outer rails on each of the separate loops. 

Hope this helps.

PS:

For example, a 6-position jumpered strip shown below with two 3-position cut jumpers dividing it. This particular one separates the Hot and Common from a PowerHouse transformer on the same 6-position strip for further distribution. 5 Hot and Common screw heads available on each jumpered side. The "thing" wired between the Hot[green screw head] and Common is a TVS[transient voltage supressor]-----ignore for now but need to consider later.