It is always fun to watch to the trains. You are right! You may find that your wiring is one of the most cut and dry portions of your layout. If you start, you will find yourself finished before you know it!
I would vote for the DCC if it is at all a possibility for you. I haven't read anyone that says not to do DCC if you can afford the startup cost.
I run DC and have been building with the idea that I will convert to DCC, so hears my perspective. Do it now, don't wait. The less that needs to be converted the better. What you will spent on quality transformers and wiring and switches for blocks would be better spent on DCC if you know you are going to ultimately use it. Why buy the same thing (power supply) twice At the very least set a standard that all eqipment must be DCC ready. That alone will simplify later convertion. I just wish I would have listened when I was given the same advice
I do the same thing. I have to actually watch when the train gets to a remote switch so I can make sure to lift the wires out of the way so it can get by. I'm kinda holding off on wiring it all up because I too want to upgrade to DCC eventually. But from what I've read, powering the track for DC is okay as long as you don't wire for a bunch of 'blocks' I think. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong...
You can wire for blocks (DC) and still use the layout for DCC. Just turn all the blocks "on". My layout was built for DC, but I'm running DCC now with NO track or wire changes.
YEa its lookin like the best option, but I have put in no insulator joiners, or anything... so that wont eb as easy as I hoped either. wasz hoping also not to have to wire it up with blocks, as im not an electricians armpit.
Well Im back, so the layout hasn't progressed anywhere.... once I figure out how to edit a post I'll fix the images from my rail images page Be ready for 129048230948 novice questions once again...
Bruce- Due to some major troubles, a few years ago, there is a much shortened period for editing. No problem at all, if you want to just do fresh posts in any of your topics.
Just a new copy fixing up my first post in this thread with working images Its currently up to the wiring stage (Wiring is like Russian to me.. I just cannot get my head around it.) The track is all now laid, I'll get some up to date photos this weekend. The Yard Exit at the North End. Here we look from the South End. It is actually not a bent board its straight, but comes out that way with the photo Stitch. . Here we look from the South West Corner down on top of the layout which is (IT IS NOW LAID AND TEST RUN WAS GOOD) not finished yet as you can see by the Pins holding the track in place to see what/where/when. . . This again is from the South End. The Cente section, not sure what to do here. The left double line bridge was a temp add on to a yard at the north end, and the line top right to left bottom was double to allow for a station and a passing track Double Track now along that center right section.
That double bridge just off center has been removed - for now. I want some room for scenery - but its just asking for a mine, or similar to go there... All the track is now laid and I can run a train completely around the layout (with temp wiring for power. Time for some new photos, but the layout follows that design.
