Ted Tyson, Tam Valley (tamvalleydepots.com) also has a line of switch machines, servos, controllers, etc. you might consider. What I find particularly attractive are (1) they have a fully compatible s

David, Now that answer makes sense. Bill D

Yup. You got it Dale. Allan’s information is incredibly informative. That said, the exchange on this group is most enjoyable — especially as we isolate in place. Bill D

Jerry, Of course this group makes things complicated. That’s part of the fun of the hobby. Always another issue/problem to be challenged by. And solve/address. Hence complications. Snubbers seem to fa

Of course Allan. Bill Demarest Gainesville, Va. Neighbor of Marty McGuirk. 😃. Small world.

Allen, Sorry for confusion. Was using "N/S" simply to indicate the "main" bus running down the middle of the layout parallel to the longest side (acting as a "spine"), and "E/W" to describe power bus

Allen, Is there a reason for not twisting the sub-bus wires? I am planning a similar wiring pattern with a "N/S" main bus (twisted wires) and several "E/W" sub busses off the main bus. I had planned t

I too look forward to Allen’s column in MR. I learned so much about DCC from the website that I’m sure we will all benefit from the new column. Bill D

Ken Harstine Thanks for incredibly useful info. Bill D

Allan, Absolutely right for a novice like me. And the ability to get a layout functioning more quickly keeps the interest level high. Hopefully some day I’ll be proficient enough to follow your lead.

I had same question. Although somewhat daunting at first, it doesn’t have to be. After researching, the biggest issues for me were potential compatability of components from multiple vendors and lack

Thanks Don. I will redesign wiring plan accordingly. Want to avoid risk of the AR Switches competing when not necessary. Bill

I’m not using PSX-ARs so I don’t have that capability (that I know of anyway). But you seem to confirm my basic analysis and as I don't believe it essential for the figure 8 mainline to be AR, will av

Thanks Don.

I am about to start wiring my conversion of an older DC layout (HO scale) to DCC. The layout is basically a figure 8 mainline with two reversing loops (and sidings unaffected by this issue). I am usin

John, I think the consensus from the prior discussion has been that DCC ARs can do wonderful things BUT they are not without limitations. And one of those is that to function properly the AR segment m

Excellent point. And, yes, at least one of my new AR segments is now substantially larger and likely would have two trains on it. Hex Juicer will supply 1.7 amps to track. I believe that ought to be s

Yup. Should have been able to save $$. But had already bought reversing circuitry. Now have an unused Tam Valley Hex juicer. Anyone need one? LOL! Novice mistake, but better to catch now than later. A

Based on Max’s inquiry I reviewed the layout and despite large number of DC blocks found that I only need 3 reversing segments! Thanks Max.

Max, I've attached a diagram of the track layout. One is just a diagram of the track layout (all black). The second is in color and identifies the individual reversing segments. (The black siding on t