Recommend a Good book re: wiring layouts

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

Looking for a good resource for wiring up my planned layout. I am just really beginning in this hobby and though I ran a single train in a figure eight around my family Christmas tree for years, I pretty much a novice when it comes to the rest. I will be running the Lionel Erie Alco AA 2032 and NYC F3 2333 AA post war diesels and rolling stock passed on to me from my father. My plan is to run them conventionally with an old ZW and the layout will contain MTH real track and MTH switches interconnected with Lionel O gauge tubular track for an inclined trestle loop. I will be running 2 trains in two separate loops with the capability to switch trains between loops. Pretty basic for starters.

Looking for opinions on wiring resources to get me started and hopefully avoid disaster. Thanks.

2

I think you should look through this page:
http://www.tandem-associates.com/lionellayouts.htm

In particular, this book is most excellent:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0897783727/ref=ase_lioneltrainsh-20/002-2475268-4327226?s=books&v=glance&n=283155&tagActionCode=lioneltrainsh-20

But this one is a little more up to date,
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0897784774/ref=ase_lioneltrainsh-20/002-2475268-4327226?s=books&v=glance&n=283155&tagActionCode=lioneltrainsh-20

3

Check out the Kalmbach web site, they have some very good books. Also, I believe that MTH has their own program for track design, you may want to check it out as it will help you with your plans. I would have the ZW checked out to make sure that the wiring is in good condition. The insulation on the power cords seems to dry-rot and deteriorate. If you see any signs of this, DO NOT use the transformer until the cord is repaired. The repair is easy, but if you use it with bad wires, could be disasterous.
Dennis