How To Wire A Model Railroad Layout For DCC

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

If you would like to learn more about wiring your model railroad layout, check out this video as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3zCZKuZpKmLhM0

[@dylanhoey5107]

what 12 gauge and 18 gauge wiring can you link plz awesome video

[@portwolf2293]

On the short management couldn't you use automotive glow fuses with a inline fuse holder instead? I mentioned that because it would give protection by breaking the circuit and the fuse would light up to show you the location of the problem.

[@AndrewMurphy8383]

what is block need to relize not all of us know the slang that is use

[@Tnapvrvideo]

Your train "help" videos are FABULOUS!!! Thank you for so many wonderfully helpful tutorials.

[@ghostgarden8032]

I am not a electrician, I don’t play one on TV either, I understood Ron’s process of wiring, nice clean and simple to wire a layout

[@markdpopovic]

Hi Ron from England, am 64 and thinking of making my first model railway so am watching as many videos as I can to give me lots of tips before I start, keep up the good work Ron great videos

[@tainopr4356]

Wow Ron, You just earned a whole new level of respect from me. I,m from Puerto Rico. Thank you for caring, on behalf of my people & myself 👍🏽

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

We were glad to help where we could. It was an honor.

[@barretthageman3350]

Great info. Am new to DCC as I have been out of the hobby for nearly 30 years. Hope to start a small layout this year.

[@DIYDigitalRailroad]

I love suitcase connectors! They make wiring so much easier, plus no soldering under the layout.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Yes, I was out, so I figured it was a good chance to show a solid soldered connection, but I honestly NEVER do this. I always use IDCs on the layout for feeder wires.

[@kerry_glock]

You spoke of a Contest to Reach 10,000 Subscribers. As of my finding your video today, April 3, 2024, your Channel Anniversary Date, you’re close to 63,000. NICE!!! Congratulations

[@atsfandy]

Ron, thank you for saying the most important thing I needed to know, insulate your blocks. You rock my friend

[@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569]

Ron, like you, I use terminal/barrier strips in my layout wiring. I really like them. But I also use them in connecting the feeder wire to the bus wires, because I don't like soldering. They help keep the wiring neatly organized and hence easier to trouble-shoot later on, if necessary. I like to label everything, both under the layout and on a copy of the track plan, again for trouble-shooting later on, if necessary. Having wired a layout for DC in the 1980s, I have found that wiring my current layout for DCC to be much easier, because I don't need to divide my layout up into a bunch of isolated electrical blocks, each with separate wires running from a huge control panel with a bunch of toggle switches. ...Roy

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Hi, Roy. You are right about the ease of DCC wiring vs DC wiring. Been there, done that. As for terminal strips for feeders, I did that on a previous layout, but I felt like I ended up with a veritable rats nest of wires at the terminal strip, plus I had 22 AWG wire running much longer distances that I preferred. I just think the sub bus keeps thing cleaner for me personally.

[@lefttheleft8934]

I love those big control panels like you're in real switch Tower

[@steveengler5011]

I wish to thank you for your information on wiring a DCC layout. It's a great idea . I used 12-gauge wire for my bus and 16-gauge wire for the rest. I have 7 Blocks in which I used 7 DPDT switches. the switch in the up position is for DC and down position is for DCC. The center tabs on all the switches I used 12 Gauge to the track using 18-gauge wire has feeders. Used 16-gauge wire to my DC controller and to the DCC EZ command controller Plus for my DCC engines (low budget layout) plus my layout is on a 4x8 table... Thanks so much Ron you have been a lot help...

[@dieselpower718]

I am just now getting into the model railroad. This answered many of my questions. I am looking forward to more of your videos.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for your comment.

[@patrickmaloney6440]

Hey Ron, greetings from the UK! That's a cracking video - crystal clear. I'm just getting the model railway bug again after a 35 year break, and DCC looks like the way to go. Thanks for the great tips about the bulb...

[@flyboybobio3431]

Great video Ron as usual. I personally use suitcase connectors and love them. I go straight from my buss wire to suitcase connectors and feeder wire to the track eliminating an extra wire. This has been working great for my small layout. Many ways to skin a cat as they say. Keep up the great videos. I enjoy everyone.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thank you for your comment and thanks for watching.

[@davidmuse7004]

Excellent ideas and video Ron!! You give a great explanation of how you approach wiring for your layout.Other's can watch and get ideas and concepts for how they would like to wire there's, and you are so very correct that not everyone does things the same, it''s just how you do it! Thanks for all your videos and sharing with us. D. Muse

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thank you for your comment and thanks for watching.

[@neilbuilds7475]

Hey Ron - I used 14 gauge stranded for my main bus lines which was divided into 4 isolated power districts using the black terminal strips. For short protection I used the Digitrax PR42 to manage those power districts. To send power to my drop feeds, I used suitcase connectors to connect 18 gauge solid wire directly into the main bus in strategic locations. From the 18 gauge wire I feed to multiple 22 gauge solid wire drops from the track using Spring Connectors. I opted for the Spring Connectors so I didn't have to solder under the layout plus if I need to remove a piece of track, I just have to remove the feeder wire from the Spring Connector.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

That sounds like a good system. Thanks for sharing.

[@robertmckeel5967]

thanks ron doing ok.i wire about the same way.rewird my house so your doing ok.keep up the good job.learn alot from you guys.god bless.robert.

[@seanspennywisemiserrr]

Nice clean wiring Ron. The extra time and care is worth it when suitcase connectors can be soo troublesome.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks, but personally I have never had trouble with suitcase connectors.

[@guyrusso9621]

@@RonsTrainsNThings Hi Ron, I love your video series. I hope to meet you some day when you are at a train show here in KC. You mention buying all of your electronics from All Electronics. Do you get your IDC's there as well? They sell a quick splice connector #7100 that looks like the IDC's sold by micromark #84022 but I can not tell from the All Electronics catalog description.

[@jnickence]

I like the sub bus concept. Also, good idea for the short indicator.

[@tyhik9338]

This is cool, I'm working on starting my layout next year

[@sithlordofoz]

Took the link ride to Sophia's channel - my Year 9 English class is going to be watching, and hopefully being inspired for their slam poetry unit next week. Equally hopefully they don't have to stay back so I can get in on the Live Chat!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

That is awesome. I will be sure to tell her.

[@RWSBaden]

Hi Ron, Since I have a small Hollow Core Door layout, I use 14 gauge solid wire for my bus wire and 22 gauge solid wire for my feeders. Since I have a small layout I do not use your light bulb method. Every section of flex track has feeder wires and every turnout has feeder wires, I'm only using the rail joiners to hold the track in alignment. My layout passes the quarter test on every section of track and my layout never runs unattended. My feeder wires are soldered directly to my bus wire and the bus wire is fastened to small spacer blocks that are screwed to the bottom of the hollow core door. If I was building a larger home layout I'd probably adopt a method similar to the method you showed in the video. The DCC system I'm using is the Digitrax Empire Builder DCC system, which is no longer available from Digitrax, but has so far provided me with 19 years of DCC enjoyment. Cheers, Rich S.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

That is awesome. Thanks for sharing.

[@kiendeshpande251]

RWSBaden I have a question for you. I have a door size layout too (7 by 3 feet) in n scale. I am about to do the wiring and have some questions. Since it is a small layout with only 1 mainline and and 2 small yards, do I need to split it into blocks like shown in the video, or would it work if I straight up soldered my feeders to the two bus lines that power will power the whole layout. Second, are the bus wires supposed to form a closed loop with itself or do I leave the end open? Finally, I am using a digitrax zephyr dcc control system, should I just screw the bus wire into the screw terminals mounted on the digitrax zephyr? Appreciate any help ! Also great video Ron, you really go in depth in all your videos and are crystal clear. Keep it up!

[@kiendeshpande251]

Oh, and also do you all recommend that I solder feeders to the stock and closure rails of my insulfrog turnouts?

[@RWSBaden]

Hi Kien, My bus wire looks like a "U" it does not make a complete circle. I did not split my track into blocks, since the layout is so small, it's all one big block. Yes, my bus wires are connected to my Digitrax DB150 command station. I did solder my feeder wires to my bus wires. I used Atlas turnouts, I did not use Peco Insulfrog turnouts, so I can't help with that question. Hopefully these answers help in your layout construction. The most important thing to remember on your Digitrax system, every piece of track should pass the quarter test, i.e. placing a quarter or piece of metal across both rails should trip the built in circuit breaker and cause the command station to beep indicating a short. Cheers, Rich S.

[@kiendeshpande251]

RWSBaden thanks a lot for the clarifications! Makes more sense and I will most likely be doing a U shape too, with either 2 or no blocks. Thank you

[@theeyeofthestorm5718]

Don't have a layout unfortunately I can't afford any of it but I sure enjoy watching you and learning from you maybe someday

[@michaelhirvela1862]

Good tips. I for one do not like the IDC (suitcase) connectors. At a Model RR Club, they had a lot of those and most we discovered had cut through and broken the feeder wires with loss of power in that area. Issue was the original installer had used a channel lock pliers to install rather than the parallel jaw pliers. Cut them out and installed the barrier strips such as you show. More reliable. Also, we installed circuit breaker boards dividing the layout into segments. That way a short in an area won't affect the rest of the layout.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks for sharing how you do things. Appreciate your input.

[@ReidsTrainStuff]

Great video Ron, easy to understand, do like the short protection idea, once again I get ideas for my layout from your channel, thanks for sharing...Reid

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks Reid. Good to hear from you.

[@542643131]

hank you. for talking about DCC I've always had AC now. I'm thinking about upgrading mine to DCC. I have a 10 foot layout as a DC. I've have problems all the time with my wiring. THANK YOU

[@bentleymurphree216]

I’m here fo knowledge, not to criticize .

[@jimmhenry657]

Same here to here for knowledge

[@JoeG-firehousewhiskey]

I also like using 12ga wire. I like this way of wiring a layout. Looks perfect to me. Im going to do it this way when I wire my layout!

[@gerlandkent6377]

thank, you for shairing you're video.👍

[@SD45-ET44AC]

I like coming to your channel in that you know where the box is located and how to think outside of it

[@michaeltan5736]

Thank you! I am just getting into model railroading and planning my small layout. This really helps! Have a wonderful year ahead!

[@hj6011]

Just getting back to modeling - new to DCC - however we used to use a automobile headlight (the big glass type) in series to provide short circuit protection - that was about 55 years ago

[@lowarcher]

Great presentation Ron. Thanks for sharing your way of doing things.

[@LegionOfWeirdos]

I would never have dreamed model railroads could have gotten so technical!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Very technical. With Digital Command Control every locomotive as a computer on board that takes signals from the throttle for movement, direction, speed, lighting effects, sound effects...the list is virtually endless. IT SO COOL!!!

[@jasonking2943]

Having been with Norfolk southern for 28 years I say the same thing when I get the cab daily

[@warrenholmar1129]

@@RonsTrainsNThings Are you sure it's more technical? I have seen some DC layouts that look like pasta and meatballs under the bench work! To me the way you wired this is very basic and straightforward? I guess you have to define Technical? DCC has alot of technology but seems alot more user friendly? Or I'm looking at it the wrong way?

[@N-Scale]

Thanks Ron. I do not see how it could be any more clear. Mike

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks, Mike.

[@riggziestrains8082]

awesome video... side note on the bulb deal... since I also work on cars/trucks - I frequent junkyards... you could just get light assemblies or google and find ones in a socket. then you can just hit the wires on them and if the bulb blows, you can simply twist it out and put a new one in... just a thought...

[@FrogandFlangeVideo]

Very instructive, thanks a lo. James/FFV.

[@happeterson2155]

Good morning, Ron. Really enjoying your instruction. I love your information on DCC wiring. Question, I have ordered some parts from AllElectronics. I have a question about the spade terminal connectors that you use for the 12 ga main bus. I only found them for 16-14 wire (they were blue on the video); will they fit the 12 ga wire? Hap Peterson

[@centeroftheearthmining4095]

Never mind! Watching the district video now. Thanks a Ron!

[@warrenholmar1129]

Great video! Really informative, been wondering about wiring.

[@caydenwalker2369]

N-Scale people will always tell you, "The wiring and the benchwork was the biggest thing I have touched on my layout", lol, thanks Ron for the video really helps me even though I do HO-Scale, doesnt matter its the same thing :)

[@tracksidemike]

Hello Ron does the 1156 drawl power from your layout? I like the idea of knowing we’re your problem spots are. Thanks

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

It only draws power when there is a short. Otherwise it is just a conductor.

[@AbelG8781]

In 2 rail O, I use DCC like any typical N or HO layout. One booster per district. Simple and reliable. Have yet to experience too many issues with it lol

[@Danny-zu8tn]

Good afternoon, Ron. Thank you for the video. Very informative !! My DCC layout is all connected. My question for you is, which gauge wire do I use to connect to the Zephyr Digital Command Control System ? The 12 gauge wire, or the 22 gauge wire ? And do you connect that specific wire to the nearest terminal strip ? Thanks again.

[@bigsparky65]

I ran 14 gauge main bus line to terminals at each end. For future expansion, at the one end i tie it into my DCC unit. From the main bus line I tie into sub terminals, then i tie my feeders into the sub terminals. Never had a problem with voltage drop. My layout is 3x 10x 4 , L shaped, yes i have a turn table, tons of turnouts, yard

[@88hheKIAHSpotting]

great vid, as someone who is terrified of this step and new to model railroading, this was awesome to grasp and understand, cant wait to get started

[@RadINation]

I love your videos and have gotten some great ideas for my layout. I watched your video about north yard that you modeled. And I did a similar, but slightly different, of it for mine. My layout is going to be more of a "freelance americana". Most is all fiction but model some real parts of America. I wanna make the grand canyon, Niagara Falls and las Vegas on my layout. Along with an elevated right away going thu a modge podge city (iconic building from large cities). KEEP UP THE VIDEOS THERE GREAT

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

That sounds like a fun layout. I look forward to that.

[@briant9251]

Like your little trick with the light bulb to see a short. I like to do my splices a little differently though. Using a utility knife and basic wire strippers. I first make a cut through the insulation, using strippers. I then make a cut through the insulation along the length of the wire about 1/2 inch. I then Fold back the insulation exposing the wire I wish to solder to. I solder the joint then folder the insulation back over the soldered joint. Then electrical tape or heat shrink. Makes a slightly better-insulated joint. But it is overkill for the most part. Mainly used when doing my computer cabling for sleeving work.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks for sharing. I can see the benefit to that method.

[@heabow]

Ron - amazing video thanks for sharing your knowledge...

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks.

[@jonjonesmagic]

Dude people can suck but haters gonna hate. Thanks for the awsome vid and the great tips.

[@RadINation]

Keep up the great tips. I always learn things from you.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thank you for your comment and thanks for watching.

[@RadINation]

Ron's Trains N Things regardless of what others may say the short circuit with lights is amazing. So I assume in a short the light turns.... (on or off)

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Yes it does. This system has its limitations, but for what it does it works great and costs almost nothing.

[@ripjeffhanneman5838]

There’s doing things the easy way and then there’s Ron’s way. 😂

[@tzavitz]

New subscriber and I love your videos, style, and generally easy to understand steps...so Kudos! One followup question....what does the bulb actually do to prevent or detect a short, what does it mean or how do you know you had a malfunction? What would the remedy be? New to this and don't quite get it. Is the bulb on all the time and blows out if you have a short, like a fuse??

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks for the question. Normally the bulb just sits dormant. Being wired in series, the small current flows through the bulb without lighting it. When a short circuit occurs because something derails or picks a switch or something conductive crosses the rails, the current goes way up. At that point the bulb comes on, draws most of the amperage, and limits the current to the point of the short. The bulb lighting tells you the short has occurred in that section connected to that bulb. This reduces the risk of damage to equipment at the point of the short. It also keeps the system from throwing the main breaker so trains in other sections of the layout an keep running. When you remove the cause of the short the bulb goes out and things return to running normally. I hope that helps.

[@tzavitz]

@@RonsTrainsNThings Thanks for the explanation. I just saw your detailed explanation in another of your great videos....they are terrific, so thanks much!

[@evanhurtig708]

I like how you do this. Can you add a digitrax track Bd4n block detection to this as well. I like the idea of the light coming on. Would the digtrax track system prevent the light from working. I think regardless I like the light. Thanks,

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

I wish I had an answer for you. I am planning to add track detection to my own layout soon, but I have no idea if that is going to affect the bulbs for short management. Sorry I couldn't be more help here at present.

[@evanhurtig708]

No worries. Thanks for the response. Keep the videos coming

[@CraigLeask-cx2jd]

hello - I know this is an older video, but I am just finding these now. After having had a small model RR as a child, I am only now (at 59) looking to get back into the hobby. I have been purchasing some locomotives, buildings, books, etc. as i ease back into the hobby - my purchases to date are not DCC, but this is something I may look to get into in the future. Here is my question - as I have already invested in DC locomotives, can I follow this technique of wiring the track (every 3-4 feet) and use this for DC to get started. I figure if I do the proper wiring now, it will make it easier in the future to convert, but need to know if this thinking is correct. Thank you for any advice you can provide. Craig

[@kenmayer3785]

Thank you for the instructional videos. I am personally going to follow your lead on a 12 gauge bus, with an 18 gauge sub bus. My question is, you run 18 gauge sub busses for a district, how long is your district typically, and should I feed it again with 12 gauge after so many feet? Ty

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

My power districts tend to be 8' - 10' long. The 18 AWG wire will easily handle this distance.

[@vincenthuying98]

Thanks for sharing Ron, especially the bonuses

[@jolliemark6294]

Ron, great idea, like the idea of how you wire for sub bus, the short protection is a good idea too, but I was wondering if you put your main bus together to prevent signal distortion in, I'm a member of a modular group and we have had some problems wit this we now require our bus to come together or twist the bus together. having the largest wire is a great idea too, as you can lose not only voltage but you signal can diminish too, thanks for sharing....Jack

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Hi, Jack. I understand your concern, but I have never experienced a problem with signal degradation through the terminals personally.

[@jolliemark6294]

Ron's Trains N Things I'm glad to here that as the modular group we do get long runs it does show up when we get out over 50 feet, thanks😊

[@gerlandkent6377]

keep, up the Great work.👍👍

[@johnramirez5996]

You can get the turn signal or parking light sockets and smaller push in bulbs to save time. Can get them at junkyard really cheap or get new ones at autozone or something like that. With that you can put it on the board so you can visually see them

[@carolynbartlett9847]

I just found something called T-Tap connectors. What do you think of this option vs suitcase?

[@matthewevans4134]

Hello Ron. Excellent video. Very helpful. I cannot find the video that you referenced to regarding the 1156 bulbs and short management. I’m looking forward to your video on wiring the feeders to the track.

[@barneyboy7771]

Very clear video, every thing looks nice and neat. My only question is why is a wire with a bigger number smaller than the wire with a large number. Weird, all wiring around the world except I think US is metric. 1mm wire is smaller than a 2mm wire

[@skipduld3630]

HOW I DID MY LAYOUT WAS , I RAN 14 GAGE HOUSE WIRE AND THEN I USED 22 GAGE FOR DROPS. I PUT EACH DROP ABOUT 3 FT. APART. WITH THE HELX I PUT ONE SET OF WIRES ON EACH ROW. TKS RON

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

That sounds pretty similar to what I do, except I add in blocks for short management.

[@skipduld3630]

@@RonsTrainsNThings i LEARN FROM DG WHEN HE RAN A BRAND NEW TRAIN AND IT JUMP THE TRACK, YES HE RUIN THE MOTOR. SO I BOUGHT C/B AND DIVIED 4 BLOCKS. MY LAYOUT IS ONLY 4X12. ALL U GUY'S R GREAT, IV LEARN FROM FIFER, U AND DG EVEN THRU DG WORKS WITH HO. HE DOSE HAVE NCE WHICH I HAVE. VERRY APPRECIATED WHAT U GUYS DO.

[@mikeprival2651]

Hey Ron thanks for the great vids first of all. Very appreciated. I am beginning my wiring and I am doing it as you showed, with the exception of breakers instead of bulbs since I had previously purchased them. But I was wondering where your sub bus wiring goes at the ends? Do you just secure the wiring somewhere and leave the ends not hooked up or terminated? Im having a continuity issue on my outside rail (black wire). I think I over did the wiring. I divided my 4x8 layout into 4 districts using plastic rail joiners. And used 4 poll terminal strips in the same 4 places under the layout. But I ran the sub bus 18 ga wires around all 4 terminal strips. From your videos I only see your sub bus running in one direction. My problem is when I check continuity at the outside rail, near the pcp pnl NCE powercab. at the spot where there is an insulated rail joiner ( or no joiner at all) physical gap in the rail. Im still getting continuity between those two track pieces. I think Im back feeding from somewhere and need to pull the sub bus wires out of the terminal strips on the left side of the terminal? sorry for the long comment. I wouldve emailed you instead.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

I just secure the ends of the sub bus and put a small wire nut on the end. Lack of continuity means you have a break somewhere--wire disconnected.

[@mikeprival2651]

Hey Ron thanks for the reply, I got the sub bus wired in correctly now I believe. But my issue was'nt lack of continuity. it was getting continuity where I did'nt want it. I.E. between the two track pieces where there is an insulated rail joiner installed

[@mariobrothers-ki2hz]

wow this video really helped me with wiring nce dcc.

[@mayfieldd09]

@ mario brothers 1158 it’s the same for Digitrax, NCE, and any other DCC platform. Like Hornby and Bachmann those are the easiest to wire up just 2 wires needed runs a small and medium small layout, medium and on needs more boost and power from track feeders and bus line required beyond a medium small layout. The bus line was shown should not make an entire loop, need to terminate it at some point if it chases its tail like I had before taking it down a few months ago. I know digitrax looks more complex but it’s the same concept but on circuit boards. 2 wires per feeder and bus line. Or the loco net or power cab can loop power from the throttle and hand control with 2 wires to the track as well. Or to the bus line as well. So it’s not to bad on that.

[@cooperlaw2889]

Can this wiring method also apply to HO scale model trains? I'm trying to get in to the DCC aspect of model trains and I'm not quite sure what wires are best to use for the HO scale.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Yes, this works for HO scale.

[@redeyepho]

Hey Ron. I'm just starting my model railway journey. If find your bus/ sub-bus idea. I assume if there is a short then the bulb goes out? Could you also potentially do away with the sub-bus and perhaps put a bulb or a fuse inline and have the same affect i.e an indicator for short? Thanks, Steve (Scotland).

[@virginiapaddler4857]

Hello, Can I use 12-2 home wire for a bus line? My main is 50 foot long. thanks!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Sure you can. I use 12 AWG wire for my bus.

[@nssherwoodsub]

Good introduction and demonstration. I too am a fan of suitcase connectors. My experience is like yours...never had one fail. If I was following your wiring method, I would make one change. The protected district or power district may be relatively long so, to avoid voltage drop, I would use the same size wire as the main bus for what you called a sub-buss. Small difference. Enjoyed the video...Harold

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Yes, I was out, so I figured it was a good chance to show a solid soldered connection, but I honestly NEVER do this. I always use IDCs on the layout for feeder wires. As for the 18 AWG wire, I am an N scaler, and I usually connect these terminal strips in the middle of a block and run a sub-bus each direction, so 10' would be a very long one for me. Most are 4' or less. If I was working in HO with longer runs and higher voltage I would do just that.

[@kinnywolf2255]

Great video and good idea

[@charliehaviland108]

Would you do that throughout the entire layout? I have a 12’x10’ room I plan to set up like a shelf layout.

[@ScottTaipaleRail]

I am building a bedroom HO scale layout consisting of two 4x8 areas connected by a 2x2 section and a bridge. This will also include a roundhouse/turntable. There will be 2 mains around the perimeter as well as a rail yard on one side and a coal/gravel dock on the other. How many management districts would you recommend for my layout?

[@chuckholsclaw6829]

Hey Ron, I like your method of dcc wiring and I would like to use your method but I need some clarification. The bus wire you connected first, is that coming from the dcc system ? The bus continues on to another set of terminal straps, is that for another block ? Let me tell how I have my layout wired as best that I can and see if it makes sense. I have a Nce powercab with a smart booster so that I can unplug and plug in my cab at different points of my layout. The wiring is from the booster to a set of bulbs from Nce, 6 bulbs total. Some 2 wires go to the bulb input on the board. I have six 2 wire outputs. My layout is broken into 6 different blocks, each one has a separate bus line and feeders for each block. I want to eliminate these as they are rated at 1 amp and limits my capacity. So by using your wiring method, how would I wire the 6 separate blocks with a single power source, that being my dcc booster and have them be independent of each other ? I could do the circuit breaker way but that means alot of money that's why I went the bulbs from Nce in the first place. I really appreciate any help you could provide or another video I could check out. Thanks, Chuck

[@lord_scrubington]

Another, very helpful video. Really helped out.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks. I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@9501599]

Hi Ron you are doing it all wrong....no just kidding. A great video lots to think about, appreciate your effort😉

[@jimsmoter4510]

Very informative, looking forward to the next video... thanks

[@gerrywood5325]

My layout is going to be an overhead set of double tracks that will travel the entire circumference of my bedroom and one closet. I intend to use EZ track so it will connect easily and also look good as well. I have a source where I will be getting my track in bulk and there are a lot of transformer connection sections in the box. How can I determine how many 9 inch EZ track sections to lay before I have to install another connector section? My room measures 12' by 24' and the closet is 4' by 6'. Any assistance you can give me will be greatly appreciated. I know you use flex track, but I want mine to stand a little higher above the lumber I am going to lay the track on.

[@paulwhatley9647]

I enjoy your informative videos. Building my HO layout now and just starting in DCC. This is very helpful. Was wondering, could you not use an automotive fuse as short protection? Say a 15 or 20 amp per block?

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

I am no electrical expert here. I believe you could BUT the actual amperage on most model railroads are so low I'm not sure what it would take to blow one and high voltage at low amperage over a bit of time can sure fry a decoder and damage a locomotive shell. You would have to know your actual amperage draw when shorted and use a fuse appropriate to that...Plus, you don't want to have to replace a fuse every time you short our a wheel across a turnout.

[@mufassadj12]

Newbie here ty for the video

[@markhenke2709]

Hi Ron thanks for all the great videos.. wondering where you got or made the hi_rise buildings in your backdrop???

[@marzbarz915]

What else would you use other than suitcase connectors? Im assuming some people solder instead?

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Yes, many prefer to direct hardwire and solder.

[@MikeThomasRailRoadOverhaul]

Fantastic video thanks for sharing I’m going to be moving away from Bachmann dcc controller in favor of something else maybe a powercab

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Let us know how that goes.

[@eddiebcfc1140]

So if I wanted to have another connection to the track would I just use another terminal thing and repeat the process that you showed. Also, I know this is a really basic question but I'm not to sure on how to do this but how do you connect the bus wires to your power supply.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Yes, that is how you add more connections. Your system should have bus or power out terminals to connect your main bus to.

[@eddiebcfc1140]

Ok thanks

[@nscaleotaku9809]

Hi Ron, thanks for the info. I wired my layout like this but my NCE powercab still resets before the bulb works. any thoughts? theNCE doesn't have an option to change its short protection sensitivity.thanks

[@rayutrup9076]

I like your video and I see you use some thing I do on my layout that was DC but I update my layout to DCC I buy DCC Dynamis and try get the wire right your video help me some and you said some about facebook I un there too

[@milwmodeler3752]

I'm old school and grew up wiring DC blocks. While DCC can be wired very simply, I still prefer to have blocks that can be completely isolated. So my 'Sub-Bus' lines (and some track feeders) actually run back to a control panel where they can be switched on/off. There's not much advantage to this if the layout is a single mainline, but being able to shut down individual tracks is a huge advantage in an engine terminal. It's insurance to not have a group of sound decoder locomotives parked on 'powered' track if something goes wrong. Plus, not having every locomotive power up when layout power is turned on is nice. I recommend terminal strips too, but skip all the spade connectors. They're unnecessary and are the most likely point of failure in this type of wiring.

[@fredashay]

I wired my layout for DC block control with 3 cabs so I can run legacy DC locomotives, but one of those "cabs" is my DCC command station (I use the MRC system) and set all the blocks to my DCC "cab" for normal operation.

[@johnroberts7924]

Great video!

[@2007obie]

Ron, Thanks for your willingness to share your experience and expertise. Extremely helpful for us newbies. I do have a question on wiring... I've watch all three of your wiring videos. I like your short protection strategy and I'm going to implement that on my n scale layout, which will cover three walls of an extra bedroom. The question I have is this.... How long would you run your sub bus wiring? I'm guessing that if the wiring gets too long I just need another connector strip to run off another sub bus without the bulb protection, since it's already protected on that short protection circuit. But if I have a segment that might be 15 feet long - a main line with little or no switching - on one segment, a single sub bus wire might be 7.5 feet long if the bulb protection is in the middle. Is that too long or would you suggest I break that down into smaller segments on the same circuit?

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

HI, Bill. Yes, what you describe is exactly what I would do. 15 feet is probably ok, but further that I want to run an 18 AWG wire. I try to keep my sub busses to about 6 feet or less.

[@crabbybass]

Could you use LED bulbs in place of the 1156?

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

No, LEDs don't draw the same current.

[@crabbybass]

@@RonsTrainsNThings thanks for the info

[@medtech68]

Hey Ron really enjoy ur videos ! Questions I have the CP6 but where do I put the wires at to wire it at the beginning of the gap somewhere in the middle or at the end of the protected district ! The wires coming off the CP6 I would do just like the light bulb correct ? Thanks David

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Hi, David. Yes, the CP6 works just like 6 of the 1156 buld I use. As for feeder wires, it depends a little on how much track you are powering through each bulb. If it is just say 6' of straight track, by might just connect the wire in the middle of the section, assuming your rail joints are soldered. If, on the other hand, you were powering several industrial sidings through the bulb, then I would run a sub-bus of 18 AWG wire, then run feeders to each spur from that.

[@medtech68]

Ron's Trains N Things hey Ron so I have tried the 1156 and I have about a 6 ft section and have it isolated on both ends the light bulb will light when I short the area yet when I short the area that’s NOT in the district it still shorts the whole layout out???? Am I missing something or doing something wrong? Somehow these 2 must be connected somewhere ? Confused

[@donrussell2773]

I am having trouble finding 1156 bulb...I ordered from Amazon and got 3056 bulbs which you can insert the wires. is that okay if so I have to figure out how to attach to the board the plastic clips are too small

[@stuartgillis2867]

Hi, do I hook up my main bus to my dcc controller.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Yes

[@Tnapvrvideo]

Quick question: For DCC, can I use Atlas and/or PECO *insulated* frog switches on a HO scale, Code 83 layout? Thanks!

[@MichaelBrown-kk6ck]

How large do you recommend making a power/short district? I’m working on a small 4x8 industrial park with about 20 turnouts and a small staging yard.

[@thecommish1968]

Ron, You made that look so easy. Just wonder if you would mind supplying a written list of everything you are using. I want to get me order right.

[@ponderingpops]

Great technique Ron! Where do you get your terminal strips and jumpers?

[@ponderingpops]

Never mind, I just checked your links. Thanks!

[@abyssalreclass]

I have to say, I like the idea of using a tail light bulb to manage shorts. How much voltage is dropped across the bulb when a train is just running normally. Does it affect the train at all?

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

It does not impact the train at all in normal running.

[@chrislewis2262]

As a person who does electronics you never want to carry your solder from the iron to your work. Tin the tip of the soldering iron then hold the iron under your work IE wire or wires then add the solder to the joint it will make for a stronger and more reliable joint because when you carry it the flux that is in the solder dries out.