Need help! what is the best way to hook on a controller to a 4x8 layout? Also any suggestions for scenery? I really appreciate any help or advice for doing scenery and attaching controller to a 4x8 HO layout.
Assuming DC:
If you have one - the rerailer/terminal strip that Atlas sells (or that comes in practically every train set) would be the easiest route. If you don’t have that, then either soldering the wire to the track or to the bottom of a rail joiner would be your other option (though I think Atlas sells the rail joiners with wires for like 1.95/pr if you’re not into soldering your own).
Assuming DCC:
Solder a pair of 20-22ga wires from the track output of the booster to the track (or use the Atlas rail joiners, though they are on the smallish side for DCC feeders). A 4x8 is small enough that you shouldn’t need to add a bus or feeders every X’. Though you could wire up a short bus (use 18ga wire or heavier for this) that wouls allow you to put a pair of feeders at the back of the layout as well.
Well, you’ve asked a couple of questions that are really bigger then they seem at first.
First, lets get you up and running.
There are many types of “controllers” out there. I’ll assume, since you didn’t mention otherwise, that you need to hook up a DC power pack to the tracks. This is the most basic setup. All you need to do is run two wires from the outputs on your power pack to the track and away for go. If you have unpowered frogs on your turnouts then you’ll have to run feeder power wires to each siding. Make sure you keep the polarity right when you do this or you’ll have a short. This will get one locomotive running.
For more locomotives to operate independently at the same time the wiring becomes more complicated. Let us know what you’re trying to do and we can help you more.
As for scenery, volumes of books have been written. There’s a good scenery clinic on Joe Fugate’s (a forum member here and a regular writer for MRR mag) forum. It right here: http://siskiyou-railfan.net/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?1270.0
And hey, let us know if we can help any more, OK?
Your scenery question is too broad to answer. Start be learning the difference between foam, plaster cloth and towels dipped in plaster. I prefer foam but use all three. Then decide on a basic look ie. mountains, farm land, town etc. Look at pics here and in mags. I got Stassi’s scenery book and that helped with the details.
This forum is best with more specific questioes, ie; How is the best way to make moutains with stacked foam.
Glad to have you part of the forum and we look forward to learning with you as you progress.
I may be reading your question differently than everyone else but I take your controller question to mean how do you physically attach it to the layout. If this is your question, I have a suggestion that might work. I bought two shelf brackets from a large home improvement store and attached them to the side of my layout. The ones I bought were wooden, thick and sturdy. On the back side, or hanging side there were metal slots to hang the brackets on mounting screws. When I’m working on the layout or it’s not in use I disconnect the controller and simply lift the brackets off to eliminate the “bump” hazzard. You can place them far enough apart to fit the actual size of your controller or secure a small shelf to the top. I drilled four countersunk holes directly into the top of mine, spaced perfectly for the feet of my MRC controller so it doesn’t slide around. I’m sure large rubber bands or velcro tape would also do the trick.
Of course, if I did read your question the wrong way, disregard my entire response . Good Luck
Dan D
I didn’t think of it that way!
In that case, I have one word…VELCRO!