Can someone help? I’m trying to wire my layout so I can get some trains running before I graduate High School. My layout is two 4x8 tables arranged in an L. I have a single loop of track with three sidings and one branch. On the branch there are three more sidings with a turntable/roundhouse at the end of one. I want two train operation, so I would like to isolate the sidings and branch the from each other.
DCC is out of the question because, in my opinion, my layout is not big enough nor do I have the money neccessary to buy the system.
The easiest way is to install insulated rail joiners as you lay the track. These have a little tab that sticks up in the center to keep the rail ends from touching and feeding power through to where you don’t want it.
Where the sidings branch out from the mainline, put insulated rail joiners on all 4 rails at the frog end of the switches at both ends of the sidings. Put separate feed wires to each section of siding track, wired to a separate electrical switch, and this will allow you to park a locomotive or entire train (depending on siding length) on either track while running a train on the other.
Where the spurs branch off from the main, put insulated rail joiners on the frog end of the switch, but only on the side that goes to the spur. Separate feeders and switches again will allow you to turn these on and off from the panel.
For the turntable/roundhouse, you’ll need separate feed wires and switches to the table track, as well as each roundhouse track. Since locomotives are parked here normally, you’ll want to shut them off when not in use, and turn them on only when the table is aligned with that track.
For two train operation, you’ll need a dual power pack or two single power packs.
If you’re just starting out in model railroading, this is a good web reference. The head
I started with the Atlas wiring book and there are others. Of course it shows using their products, but you can use others if you’d rather. I had good luck with two cab operations, even though I am not an electrical whiz. If I remember right they even have a diagram for a turntable. (Mine is an older edition and I haven’t used it for awhile, but am at the point where I will be digging it out before long to make sure I’m doing my next project right.) Always handy to have a reference.