Bachmann Online Forum

Discussion Boards => General Discussion => Topic started by: bill3bill3000 on October 05, 2025, 08:45:42 AM

Title: insulated rail joiners on dcc small layout
Post by: bill3bill3000 on October 05, 2025, 08:45:42 AM
i i have a small layout currently running dc control. i am switching to dcc command control and need to know if i have to use insulated rail joiners in at least one place so it is not a continual circle. i am very new to dcc. please help.
Title: Re: insulated rail joiners on dcc small layout
Post by: Len on October 05, 2025, 10:46:25 AM
If you are just operating on a basic train set loop of track, no insulated joiners are needed.

Len
Title: Re: insulated rail joiners on dcc small layout
Post by: bill3bill3000 on October 05, 2025, 03:07:57 PM
i am using four turnouts one going to two others making a small yard and one going to an end point for an industry. does that matter? the entire layout is 28" by 60".
Title: Re: insulated rail joiners on dcc small layout
Post by: Len on October 05, 2025, 06:03:10 PM
Unless you want to be able to completely cut power to a yard lead, or the industrial spur, to store a loco without power, it shouldn't matter.  With DCC insulated gaps are mainly an issue with reversing loops and wyes.

Len
Title: Re: insulated rail joiners on dcc small layout
Post by: bill3bill3000 on October 05, 2025, 09:34:11 PM
thank you len.
Title: Re: insulated rail joiners on dcc small layout
Post by: jward on October 07, 2025, 04:13:42 PM
On a small layout you shouldn't have to make any changes to your wiring when switching from DC to DCC. I have done this a couple of times without problems.