the reason for gaping both rails is to prevent current/power/signals from one block to another. There is momentary shorts between blocks as metal wheels (Or Locos) cross the gaps. These are usually ha

Just a reminder, there is a difference between Electrical Code and Electrical Standards. Electrical Code prevents fires. DO NOT cut corners on this, as it prevents fires and electrical damage. Electri

Color code. Even if you later make all DCC, makes for easier updates or booster wiring. And DOCUMENT the colors you use. And stay with the code. Even if you run out of one color (Say Blue) accept the

Trying to do that for 20 years. Still some folks that insist on running DC. Thomas DeSoto, TX

Most decoders let you set whether the Lok runs on DC as well as DCC. However, some DCC layouts require you to turn this option off for technical reasons. Best option is to select some Locs to add DCC,

If you have a computer next to the layout, SPROG is an option. For about $90 plus PC or laptop, you are JMRI, WII Throttle, good programming options, etc. This gets you started. You can switch tot he

Carl, Gargraves are 3-rail. Unless you are doing something funky with one rail, you do NOT need reversers. You can install them however you want, but they will never engage and swap polarity. If you d

Someone mentioned center rail. Would that be O-Guage or Marklin? With center rail, the center is one polarity, and the rails (both) are the other polarity. No reversing needed. Big selling point for m

I recommend a system that can connect to JMRI. (See JMRI.org page to see list of systems) JMRI lets you connect to any smart phone to use as wireless throttle, either android or Apple. So each operato

With DCC, the criteria for separate power blocks is as follows: 1. Will you use more amps than you currently have on existing track block. 2. Do you need to isolate shorts, to prevent one bad Lok from

You need one booster for each district. Most boosters can be used be any command station, but check before buying. Typically, the command station goes direct to boosters, not track. Easiest way to do

We have a 3000 Sqft layout at the club with soldering only inside control panels, turnout motor pigtails and track drops. All buss wires connect to terminal strips between each table, with local power

Our club is 3000 square feet. The only soldering we do is in control panels. switchmaster turnout motors, and track drops with solid wire. Every other connection is with either spade lugs or molex con

Bill, Not EasyDCC. OUr club uses this system, and get NO support from the company. Our throttles are aging, and repairs take 2-3 months, (And we are local to the company). No development or upgrades a

All, Some friends of mine have started using LEDs connected directly to the track. (With proper resistors, of course). This works OK, except for the flickering due to dirty track, etc. I have several

Kapton tape on the bottom of the motor (Between the motor and the frame) works quite well. Thomas

I am in the middle of digitizing my fleet of T&P Geeps. The P2K weights are grounded to the frame (Screws) and are the same as the 'black' wire from track power. The truck 'tabs' are the 'red' track p

Neil, There seems to be a common mistake between DC and DCC. Folks think that because DCC uses AC power, that polarity does not matter. DC folks are very careful to make sure that polarity is correct.

60 feet is a long way away. You might want to consider a SPROG III and a used computer + JMRI for a standalone programming station. For one thing, you can program with interfering with the club runnin

I am a little confused too. We need to clarify what we are talking about. There are two types of "loop". 1. Regular loop. Same as out-of-the box circle or loop. Train goes in one direction. There is a