My layout is currently in 3 pieces, because we moved, and the basement needs improvements before I can set it up again. It's (2) 10' x 2' wall mounted sections, with a corner section in an "L" configuration. "N" scale folded dogbone double main, Kato Unitrack. Before I moved it ran great, but needed scenery. While it's down I want to improve on the wiring. More drops, standardize the color codes, and have a good spreadsheet / map for troubleshooting. I'm using Atlas Controllers / Selectors for dual cab control. With a double main, folded dogbone what was the outside track on one Leg becomes the inside on the other leg. So What is the best way to designate Track 1 and Track 2. After that which rail is usually the common, and hence which is the hot or the one that's selected? Is it best to designate your blocks from West to East? Any ideas that are accepted standard practice for something like this would be appreciated. I don't want to reinvent the wheel, and since I have the time to add more drops, and lable everything well I want to do it right. BTW I am using 20 gauge drops to terminal strips, then 14 gauge from the strips to the control panel. Currently (2) MRC Tech II 2400 for Cabs, but I will be adding Walk Around Cabs Nice little Troller ones that I have 2 of. Thanks in Advance... Dave
I've not heard of any 'standard', but I'm sure the modular people must have them, so you could try and track those down. Otherwise do something logical: If you open out your dogbone you'll basically have a two-track circle. I'd designate the rails on the inside as common and the outside as 'hot'. Track numbering: inside = 1, outside = 2. Block numbering, I'd start somewhere on the edge of visible or just out of sight, like a block that crosses a tunnel portal and call that/them 1, so the inside track block is 11, and the outside is 21. Then continue clockwise 12/22, 13/23, etc. If you have more than 10 blocks on each track start with 101/201, and continue. If there are places where one track has extra blocks over the other you can either skip the extra numbers on the 'other' or use a, b, c suffixes for the extras. Hope that helps some, or at least bumps it so you get some other answers
