When expanding the layout is it ok to get more terminal rerailers ever so often and run the terminal wires to the power to track connection or is it better to run a thicker wire and attach off it ever so often and does the size of the layout have any bearing on needing the power booster or is the power booster needed for multiple engines...does the power booster put out 5 amps of will it handle up to 5 amps
maxx-
A larger bore wire with fine wire feeders is better, and cheaper, than runing multiple wires all of the way from the controller to the terminal tracks. Also, you don't need the terminal rerailers; use cheaper regular tracks and either solder feeders to the outsides of the rails or to the rail joiners.
The size of the layout has no direct bearing on the need for a booster. (Well, it has a negligible bearing due to the resistance of the rails and feeders but that's not a practical consideration unless you have a ten-mile mainline.) It has an indirect influence on the need in that a larger pike is more likely to have more operating locomotives.
Yes, you can use a 5-amp booster for up to a 5-amp draw. There is a peak capacity over 5-amps which is your safety net when starting locomotives and so on.
-- D
One other option for multiple feeders is to by Atlas terminal railjoiners with the wires already soldered to them, assuming you are using code 100 rail.
yeah I'm running Bachmann ez track ns and I have a couple sets of the joiners with wire
really dont mind running wires to the power supply as all wiring is under the table so everything on top looks nice n neat ...under the table however, looks like a freeway interchange in LA after an earthquake
If you're near a Radio Shack that still sells parts, look for something called a barrier strip. They are terminal strips that come in various sizes (number of terminals). They are a great help in organizing wiring. While you're busy organizing the clutter, label your wires: make a masking tape tag and write the ID on it. And finally, try to be consistent in using the same color wire for the same function. Just remember: "Wiring is FUN!"
OldTimer
well all the power wires are red and all the switch wires are green ...they just Cris cross every where its not that bad
I like the idea of the barrier strip...would kinda centralize thing a bit