Wiring Design

The track will be wired in the traditional manor... ie, I am not using DCC. I'm not using DCC on a couple of grounds. The first and main reason is cost. The engines I currently own would need to be converted, and I'm not convinced all of them would be able to be converted. Not to mention all the new controller kit. The second reason is to do with not being able to use HF track cleaners with DCC, although, admittedly it is not a major reason. I might convert to DCC one day, when good British n gauge engines are common place, with all the bells, whistles and lights included.

The power is supplied over four tracks. Three tracks are actually tracks in their own right. The forth is a special supply allowing for loco transfer between the other three tracks, and for control of the yard.

The two main line tracks are split into three basic sections; the main station area, left side and right side. The branch line is split into two sections; main station and right side.



Each section will be isolated from each other and switch controlled.

Flow of power in any section is controlled either by switch, or by flow of power through the points. In effect the layout is designed to use points to isolate local areas of track, such as sidings etc.

The most complicated part of the wiring is the cross over at the main station. This allows locos to move from one track to another with the track four controller. The section is switched from the line controller to the yard controller, and is isolated from the rest of the track.