Awesome info, now i understand about the bus and feeders.  also checked out some videos on youtube for wiring which helps me understand about the bus wire running along each rail.  

so where i have my tracks crossing from outer to inner and inner to outer loops, should i put a gap in the track that is joined by a plastic rail joiner so the tracks are seperated or because my track is small still i dont have to do anything on those cross overs?

where is the initial bus wire connection made to the track if at all?  Or is that bus wire just run next to the track, and does this bus wire attach to the track anywhere or is it just laying next to the track for the feeder wires to connect to once they are connected to the track?

Can i use electrical wire for this bus wire?  in the 18 gauge?

Jerry,

I have actually run DC locos across this set up, Thanks by the way its my first attempt, and am hoping to make a quick conversion on this set up so i can ensure power is passed all the way around these loops.  But the DCC trains seem much more enjoyable so i am making the conversion as soon as possible, and when i find a train and controller i like.

I will check my local train store for that book by atlas.

I see the DCC locos on the entry level side are inexpensive but they dont offer the sound i would like for that realistic effect.

Thanks for the info

Jward,
thanks for this information.  As i am a bit dumb when it comes to wiring, i was looking for the easiest way to wire up the track. 

you make mention  "tap off the bus for track power feeders every few feet"  I am not sure what this means.  Are you refering to the piece of track the power pack connects to now?  and if so, how do i run the first set of "bus wires" from this track to the next section or "block" of track.

Ideally i would like to wire this for DCC right off the bat.  Do you have a link or something i can look at that would help me understand "track wiring for dummies"  I know how to solder, and can easily run the wiring under the attached roadbed of the E-Z track i am using so that is not the issue for me.  just understanding the wiring will be my issue

thanks for all the help

I want to know the best method for wiring track.  My current layout has 2 loops, inner and outer.  the inner loop turns over itself as you can see from the link below and the outer loop is plain and just goes around the outside portion of the table.

http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee363/jsdranger/1970.jpg

My question here is, how can i distribute the power across the track?  Can i solder CAT5 wire to the track in 3-4 foot sections so the power is passed from one section to another?  is there different type of wire i should use instead?  to get power to the inside track, (E-Z track by Bachmann) i understand as long as the loops are connected somehow power is getting to it, but would it be a good idea to have 2 rerailers with power connection in the same location and run a wire between those 2 pieces of track to get more power to the inside loop?

what is the best method for wiring track only to distribute power throughout the track more efficiently?  right now i just have the power connected to a rerailer and that is it

And with wiring the track, when i go to DCC will that effect anything in regards to the DCC Locos and how they operate?

Thanks

Thanks D

the camera does wonders to make it look better than it really is.  first attempt at this stuff so all will come in time for more realistic appearances

Thanks ACY.  this design stuff is definitely alot harder than it looks, but a ton of fun and rather relaxing.  hopefully i will have more pics of the layout completed

hopefully you can see the picture from this link showing the layout and one of my crossovers from outer to inner loop.  was certainly fun building and creating.  look forward to much more design work too

http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee363/jsdranger/1970.jpg

Thanks to all that replied.  there has been some great information provided, probably a little to much for me to take in all at once but it just shows me how much there is out there in the train hobby world for me to learn.

should be fun learning but even more fun building and running the trains

thanks

Doneldon,

Thanks for all the information.  it definitely is alot to take in.  I am not sure of what i would like but right now for a controller i am leaning towards the Bachmann Trains E-Z Command Dynamis Wireless Infrared Digital Command Control System.  I like the idea of not being tethered to the table.  And from reading the manual seems relatively straight forward on set up and configurations. 

Hopefully in time, this system will allow me to run up to 4 or 5 trains at the same time when i increase the size of my layout.  i am hoping that with the bachmann command dynamis it will allow me to grow to that size.


Jward,
I would like to have sound on the trains so those entry level trains may not be right for me at this time.  i realize the cost will grow exponentially  based on sound, but the realism from the sound i think will provide much more enjoyment for me and my kids.

Also, the layout has already been built and you are correct, i am using 18" radius turns.  I wish i could post a picture on here so you guys could see it, it wont let me.

Thanks for all the input, it really has been great

I am looking for a DCC controller and from reading posts and asking questions i have narrowed down my search to the Digitrax Zephyr and the Bachmann Trains E-Z Command Dynamis Wireless Infrared Digital Command Control System

What i would like to know now, is which one is the better one and why?  all opinions are appreciated and will certainly help me make my decision that much easier hearing from the experts

On the one hand i like the digitrax zephyr because of the rotating handle (realism to me) for acceleration but is that one also wireless?  I like the E-Z command because it is wireless and it seems to be able to control many many trains simultaneously and offer 21 functions per train.

they are priced similarly, what are the real differences between the 2?

All information is greatly appreciated

Doneldon,

Thanks for all your input. it definitely is a ton to digest. 

in regards to your comments about the layout i have defined, I have tried to attach a picture  of the upper portion of my layout but will not let me.  you mentioned about having inner and outer loops being connected.  you can see in the lower left portion of themy layout there is a crossover from outer to inner.  there is also a connection from inner to outer.  I am using 18" radius on both the inner and outer loop and can use up to a believe a 50' car maybe a bit bigger.  On the inside of the inner track there is a mountain and a lake that is home to a camping ground.  the one failed part of my track was my home made tunnel, i gave it just enough room for the trains that i had purchased without thought to new rolling stock i bring in.  so with some stock due to their height, they will not fit into the tunnel, bad move on my part.  so i cant use crane cars on the outer loop, but maybe in the near future, i can find a way to change that, but if i do that, it will require quite a bit of rework on the sections that lead up to the top of the tunnel and go up and over it as well

You make mention of many train types, not sure how much of a fan i am of the 2-8-2, not to mention i really dont know what that means, the naming nomenclature.  As far as i know they are the old school steam engines?  that style i think would be great on a track that is going for old school, but i think with the acela line and other thoughts i have i am not sure how good the steam engines will look mixed in on this layout.  I think my interests lay with the diesel engines right now.  that can always change in the future depending on the type of layout i want when i start my new tracks once i move and have the room for a much larger layout.

I notice there are alot of systems just from the few you mentioned, NCE, digitrax and lenz.  What do i want to look for in these to seperate each one to help me make an informed decision?

How can i post a picture on here if it keeps telling me the upload folder is full?

Thanks again, this information is invaluable for a novice such as myself

ACY,

Purchasing ready to run DCC locos was the idea i was looking at.  I dont want the hassle of having to modify existing trains and felt it would be less of a headache to just purchase DCC with the effects i want already built in.

Once purchased i want to run these new trains on the existing track with a DCC controller.  I was thinking about the e-z command controller since it is from bachmann and that is currently the tracks i am using. 

ACY

you say running trains on a DC or DCC track.  I am not sure that i understand this. 

Do you mean a DC track is this because of the pack that is plugged into the track which carries the current from the outlet, into the power pack that than transfers the power to the track?

And than the DCC would be the same principle.

Are they different currents being used, AC vs DC that propels the trains?  If that is the case each train, be it a DC or DCC train are set to run with a specific current?

Thanks in advance for the help

Doneldon,
Thanks for the info and looking for more information to better help me and my new found interest.  

I am currently creating a HO scale set on a 5x8 sheet with intentions of expanding when i get more room to expand.  I dont have a ideal proposed railroad but in time i am hoping to run multiple types of trains on one layout.  Right now my track consists of 2 sets of tracks.  an outer loop which is for the most part just flat.  in time when i expand, this line will be for a commuter train, amtrak or acela type trains.  the inner track is a mountain pass that i am running many cars on, so there i would need a relatively strong engine that can climb the mountains.  there are elevation changes, a bridge and home made tunnel on the layout currently and a couple lakes  The finances are a great question as since i am just getting into it i would like to find something that doesnt break the bank.  i see that there are many options ranging from the cheap to the expensive.  right now i am leaning more towards middle of the road and as i continue to grow in the hobby i will continue to upgrade the products i have

the trains i am looking for are going to be diesel, the more modern style i guess.  i like the old looking ones but for the layout i intend to put together i think the newer styles are going to be better for me.

where the sound is concerned, i would like to hear the sound of it moving and the horn, nothing to fancy really.  just enough to peak my sons interest, and for me to have some fun and relax while running and creating the scenery around the track

in time i am hopgin that i have a nice layout with better than 4 or 5 trains running at one given time, with some side rails for parking the unused trains.

Based on what i described above, whould this loco and controler be a good choice for me - EZ Command DCC System/Loco, CHSY 

I hope that answers your questions

Thanks in advance for all your help

Which locomotive, of the below, is an ideal starting point for a newbie to DCC. 
and can you recommend a DCC control system as well to control the train.  Also, can DCC controllers control a locomotive that does not have a DCC chip in it?

G67628 Athearn HO Genesis FP-45 SF/Freight #5941 w/DCC & Sound

G67602 Athearn HO Genesis F45 SF/Pinstripe #1936 w/ DCC & Sound

HO RTR B23-7 w/DCC & Sound SF #6396

PROTO 2000 HO Scale Diesel EMD E7A Powered with Sound and DCC 920-40972