Feeder Wires? (PowerCab)

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I have just purchased my NCE Powercab… everything is going great… until… the feeder wires.

Alrighty, I do not have a layout yet but bought the system ahead of time on acount of a sale (Factory Direct). I want to run trains! So, what size or whatever do I use for the feeder wires?

Thanks!

2

Feederwires…20 gauge will work fine.

Bus line…12-14 gauge.

David B

3

Thanks for the quick reply!

4

I am running about where Dave B is talkin’ about (with a Power Cab). I have a 14 gauge buss, and 22 gauge feeders, and have had no problems.

5

You just want to run trains but have no layout. Are we talking a couple of 36" track pieces and running loco back and forth. 22 wg is good enough in this case. My test track (48") is 18wg to 22wg feeders. 22wg is used so I can solder it to the track otherwise you can use alligator clips with 18wg.

6

Ofcourse I am going to have a layout. Just wanted to run a couple trains right now.

7

MilwaukeeRoad,

If you’re just talking about a temporary thing because you want to try out the PowerCab, test some decoder installs or do some programming, almost any gauge wire will work for that purpose. USe what you have on hand whether that’s 14ga, 18ga or even 22ga. Just make it so that its easy to hookup and unhook.

jktrains

8

I’ve been only a single set of Atlas track feeders (the ones solder to the rail joiners) to “temporarily” power my 4 x 8 layout for 3+ years now and have had no problems. I’m now in the process of installing a real power bus and track feeders to proper power route my turnouts, as well as the layout.

Tom

9

I had a temporary layout and used the feeders that Atlas makes that are attached to the track connectors. I think they are 22 gauge. I used them at four points on an oval layout. Worked great.

You can just solder 22 gauge wire to the track instead of using the already made up Atlas connectors. I had them so I used them.

Bill

10

If you’re smart enough to work a computer, you’re smart enough to hook 2 wires to your track.

DEPENDING ON LAYOUT SIZE:

Two will do it. Four do it better. More (feeders), distribute power more evenly.

Sounds like you are avoiding buying a drill & Soldering iron, One has to learn to walk.

11

Bill,

They’re definitely smaller than 22ga. More like 26 or 28ga. At any rate, they do work.

Tom

12

Of course I assumed you were PLANNING a layout for later. For now use what ever size wire you have on hand either soldered or simply attached it with alligator clips to the rail. Size makes no difference at this point in time.

Enjoy.

13

QUESTION

What kind of plug do I need to attach the two wires to the green chip?

14

I was repairing an automatic sprinkler system recently and noticed the wire was a 7 wire, solid 18 gauge cable. I thought it would be perfect for my N-scale, because I could run a length of cable and then break it down to individual blocks. Not only was it nicely color coded, but it’s a lot easier to soldier to track than stranded wire is. I will defiantly will incorporate it into my next layout.

15

Sorry, just had to bump this up to the top.

16

Bad picture…

On the far left is where I have to plug the two feeder wires into the PowerCab.

17

MR,

What you need to do is to:

  1. Strip the wire ends of your track bus back ~1/4"
  2. Loosen the two [recessed] tiny screws on top of the PCP panel connector
  3. Slide a track bus wire into each connector
  4. Tighten the two tiny [recessed] screws until the wires are snug
  5. Connect the other end of the track bus to the track
  6. Connect the Power Cab to the left port of the PCP panel

You’re good to go…

Tom

18

Thanks tstage.

I just found it in the manual also.

Thank you everyone!