Here is an image of the basic layout I am planning... The track will be N scale Kato Unitrack. The intent is to operate the double track main on the "Right ahead" principal. The red dots indicate tentative feeders...smaller red dots feeder tracks, the larger Terminal Unijoiners. The layout would be built in stages. The first being everything from the short stub wall at about 8', and right. Phase 2 being everything from that stub wall left. Sidings and then scenery in subsequent phases. All of phase 1 will likely see no to minimal scenery since it is on a shelf in a storage area...it is mainly for staging, turn around, and someplace off scene for the trains to go. I intend the layout to be DCC in it's final form, but I do not have a DCC system at this time, and I have no experience with DCC. As of right now, my intent is to get a Digitrax Zephyr set to be able to use my MRC 280 dual pack as jump port throttles. My hope is to be able to use the 280 during the construction and testing, and put off getting the DCC system until the mains are complete. Now for the non railroad specific stuff. I am disabled and on fixed income. Building this is kind of a race to get at least the main loop done and operational while I'm still physically able. Putting a damper on this is that it will be done on a very small monthly budget. I have accumulated the track and bench work materials for all of phase 1, and probably 75% of phase 2. I'm trying to avoid purchasing "stuff" (such as the DCC stuff) before it's needed/usable, just in case I don't win this race. My next purchases will be wiring oriented, which brings me to the issues I know of now: Do I need separate buses for the 2 mains.? If not necessary, would it be of any great advantage considering my hope of using the 280 for testing during construction? Reversing loops. I have no clue where I'm going to need insulators, or what polarity issues there are. Single track reversing loops I have no problem understanding...double tracks are inducing brain stall. Electronics...DCC circuit breakers and auto reversing circuits. No clue what I will need, or which ones are simple and reliable. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
