First off, let me tell about some lessons learned. 3 ft wide benchwork is a PAIN to work with. I’ve had to lay one section of 2 by 3 ft. plywood at a time, lay foam, cork, then track on top. Then repeat with the next 2 by 3. I guess if your arms are 5 ft long then this wouldn’t be a problem. On the plus side, I also soldered track feeders section by section, therefore I am tracklaying and wiring at the same time and I didn’t realize how much work I’ve actually done already. Anyway, I’m ready to solder in the main 14 AWG bus wiring. Does it matter if run the main around the back and solder in “sub-busses” to go to each group of feeders? Or should I just weave the one main around to all feeder groups? Also, can occupancy detector wires be attached to the feeders instead of the rail? By the way, happy Easter…thank you Jesus!
If you are doing the common rail type of wiring, I would run a main buss to a distribution block, then run a buss to each of several blocks. That way, if you have an electrical problem, it will be easier to isolate the problem. Then the control of each block can be wired through toggle switches. If you are planning on using more than one cab control, use DPDT switches.
Common rail wiring is not usually recommended for DCC…if that is your intent. So says my Digitrax manual.
Try one main, centred under the benches bus, and then have sub-busses that in turn feed the individual sectors or districts, depending on the architecture of your trackplan. Each district ought to have short control for the sake of any decoders that you may use.
If you plan to power your layout with DCC then you should get the Digitrax Big Book of DCC
This book will answer your questions on wiring DCC items for opernation and control.
Book is OUT OF PRINT as of a couple of days ago. Alternate is go to Wirring For DCC website.
Have fun