I am building a small (3’x 4’) N scale layout for my 8 year old Grandson. I am using Atlas flex track for the most part. Should I run bus wires under the layout with feeders to each section like DCC or can I get away with maybe two track connections, one on each side of the layout?
With such a small layout you don’t need a buss like a larger layout would need. A pair of 18 AWG wires to a barrier strip under the layout then track feeders of 22-24 AWG wires to wherever you think you need them should do fine.
Right. A small layout, just connect the feeders. If the train slows and speeds up again, then you have one loose rail joiner. If it stops, then you have two loose rail joiners. Just tighten them up a bit and the thing will be ok.
ROAR
No need for anything other than 20-22 gauge wire from the power pack to the track. My layout is 22 X 8, DCC equiped and all my feeders are 22 gauge and I have not had one single problem. On this small a layout, you will be just fine with 22 gauge.
I recently built a 28"x48" layout with two feeder wires on opposite sides of thE oval and it worked just fine for both DC and DCC.
Are you planning on running more than one train?
I say, “No”, that small of a layout should not need any extra wires. I’ve had HO and G layouts more than twice that size with only 1 pair of wires to the track.
Totally agree with the above post. My 4 year old son’s layout has one wire connection point. However, the rail joiners do need to be secure and tight otherwise you do risk losing some power, since you are relying on the joiners to maintain electrical conductivity.
Ian
Back in the early 1980’s our club put together a 14 block HO layout using #24 telephone wire. The club president worked for the telephone company.
We usually ran only one loco per block as it was difficult to get two DC locos to run together.
We had four throttles and one reverse loop.
Rich
To help eliminate power transmission problems, I would suggest soldering all rail joints.