Need mounting ideas for DCC Power supply and Command Station/Booster onto the layout

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Hi Folks,

I am going to purchase the Digitrax Super Empire Builder. I need some mounting ideas for the power supply and command station/booster.

Should the hardware be mounted on to the side of the layout on a shelf, or underneath with quick access? Can underneath the layout provide enough ventilation to keep the hardware from overheating?

I am looking for ideas that will look good with the layout. I will be installing a fascia.

Yours in Model Railroading,

2

My own equipment is on shelves built under the edge of the layout. The back side is open for plenty of airflow. Most of the other installations I have seen use something similar. There’s often lots of empty space under a layout so you might as well make use of it. If you look on pages 8 and 9 of the Digitrax “Advanced Transponding Application Note” you’ll see an example of this type of installation.

Portable or modular layouts sometimes use a variation of the shelf idea in the form of a cabinet with built-in shelves. They can disconnect the wiring and carry the cabinet as if it were just another module or toolbox. Since these are generally more compact, they often have “muffin” cooling fans installed to increase the airflow.

HTH,

Steve

3

Here’s an option.

The power supplies sit behind on a flat piece of plywood with a power strip mounted next to them.

4

I am using the same Digitrax combination as you are. Yes, the combination must be well ventillated. I built an open 1ft.x1ft.bookcase structure next to one of my four Power District panels,(that are about 1ft.x2.5 ft. shelves extending from the bottom of the layout table top). I mounted the Command Station/Booster at an upward angle, on the top of the bookcase stucture, so that the ammeter is easily visible. The DCC Power Supply is mounted below it on a 1ft.x1ft. open shelf below. The 2-plug mounting for the tethered remotes, are mounted on the top of each of the four Power District panels. I also have an enlarged track plan for each Power District drawn on each of the four panels, along with (24 -2pin numbered switch probe points) Yes, I have 96 powered switches and five manual switches, on 240 yds. of track,(with six reverse loops and three wyes). This is why I needed the Digitrax 8 Amp DCC Super Chief. Bob