Category: DCC

Trackplan and Wiring

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Transfer the trackplan on plywood and start wiring the DCC and DC buses

Trackplan

I used masking tape to transfer the trackplan onto the plywood base, then started wiring the DCC and accessory DC buses.

test-fitting the trackplan using masking tape
Trackplan and wiring: test-fitting using masking tape

What works on paper doesn’t necessarily translate well to the layout. I like to use masking tape to sketch a rough version of the trackplan directly on the plywood subroadbed, allowing me to test-fit curves, sidings and spurs.

Wiring

There are three main buses running under the layout:

  • DCC bus, using 2.5mm² wires (14 AWG)
  • 12VC DC bus for Tortoise switch machines, using 0.75mm² wires (18 AWG)
  • 12VC DC bus for lighting, including streetlights and structure lights, using 0.75mm² wires (18 AWG)

I flipped the plywood base and started fixing the bus wires in a temporary, untidy manner. I will clean up the wiring once all the track feeders and Tortoise switch machines are installed, so that I can determine the correct length for each wire.

Plywood base flipped and wire bus installed
Trackplan and wiring: temporary length bus wires installed.

To tap power without cutting or stripping main wires, I used suitcase connectors – quick, reliable, and ideal for temporary setups. They let me add feeders or accessories on the fly, which is perfect while I’m still fine-tuning the layout.

This approach saves time now and prevents headaches later when the layout is more complete.

Wiring the layout with DCC and accessory power requires both solid planning and a bit of foresight. I installed a robust DCC bus using heavy-gauge wire for consistent power delivery, with feeders soldered in regularly to avoid voltage drops.

Accessory wiring, like 12V DC lines for Tortoise machines and lighting, runs separately for clarity and ease of troubleshooting.

While the system is built to be dependable, I’ve allowed for future adjustments – leaving a bit of slack, labeling connections, and routing wires with accessibility in mind. Layouts evolve, and the wiring can too.

Standards

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A set of standards helps in building and operating a reliable model railroad layout

Before starting a model railroad layout construction, a set of standards should be established to ensure smooth operations. These standards apply to trackwork, rolling stock, wiring, and DCC. My bare minimum standards are:

NMRA Standards Gauge N Scale
  • All code 55 tracks, using Micro Engineering flextrack and Atlas turnouts
  • DCC bus and feeders with the appropriate wire gauge
  • All Micro-Trains couplers set at the proper height
  • All BMF-equipped DCC decoders
  • Properly maintained and cleaned rolling stock
  • Properly maintained and cleaned tracks (using white spirits and graphite)

By strictly adhering to these standards, you can ensure smooth operating sessions and, ultimately, an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

NCE DCC Command Station

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Digital Command Control for better realistic operations

I opted for the NCE PH5, which is a 5A power booster and DCC command station that includes an NCE Pro Cab, a fascia mounting panel, and an international power supply.

I used a Lenz Compact (easily found in the EU) paired with a few Lokmaus 2 handheld controllers for a long time with my previous layouts 15 years ago. This time, I felt I needed a more advanced command station.

NCE DCC PH5 System

More is more

With advanced consisting, multiple locomotives can be controlled as a single unit, allowing for more realistic train operations on the layout.

The NCE Power Cab supports 4-digit addresses, whereas the Lenz + Lokmaus 2 only support 2-digit addresses. This makes it easier to assign a DCC-equipped locomotive its road number as its DCC address.

Additionally, the Power Cab supports more function keys beyond F4, which is the limit on the Lokmaus 2. With modern sound-equipped locomotives, having access to additional functions is a significant advantage.

I also ordered an additional CAB06p cab, which is what I’ll use normally, while keeping the Pro Cab mainly for programming.

NCE DCC PH5 Control Station and Booster
Controlling a loco (SP GP-20) with NCE ProCab

In comparison to my previous DCC command station (Lenz Compact), the NCE PH5 provides better performance, handling more complex operations with ease.

The fascia mounting panel makes the NCE PH5 easy to integrate into my layout, offering a clean, organized setup.

The NCE PH5’s advanced features give me the flexibility to expand and customize my layout’s operations as needed.