Post by gerryo on Feb 15, 2009 21:00:11 GMT -5
Hi,
I'm new to model railroading. I have designed a track plan that I like. I am using N scale. It is basically two ovals, an inside and an outside. I have four spurs off the inside oval and one off the outside oval. I also have two crossovers from one oval to the other. I am ready to begin laying track but have several questions concerning wiring.
Q1 I wish to be able to have each oval operate independently of the other so I can have two train going in opposite directions. Do I need two power packs or is there one that will do this?
Q2 I also wish to have the spurs isolated so a train can be sitting idle while another is moving in either oval. How is this done? Do I use insulated connectors and how do I wire the spurs so they will work when I want them to?
Q3 similarly, how do I wire the crossovers so a train can go from one oval to the other?
Q4 Can anyone recommend a GOOD book on model train wiring?
Q5 Does the Atlas 311 power pack have enough power to do the job? I have about sixty feet of Atlas code 80 track in each oval, counting spurs. I am doing a logging railroad with short cars and do not plan on have a lot of cars.
I realize I have perhaps started as bit too advanced for a beginner, but I am seventy years old and would grow tired of a simple layout.
Thanks for your help. If you desire, you can email me directly which would be best for me. My email address is ravaenspirit@toast.net Just put "train help" in the subject.
Thanks again.
GerryO
I'm new to model railroading. I have designed a track plan that I like. I am using N scale. It is basically two ovals, an inside and an outside. I have four spurs off the inside oval and one off the outside oval. I also have two crossovers from one oval to the other. I am ready to begin laying track but have several questions concerning wiring.
Q1 I wish to be able to have each oval operate independently of the other so I can have two train going in opposite directions. Do I need two power packs or is there one that will do this?
Q2 I also wish to have the spurs isolated so a train can be sitting idle while another is moving in either oval. How is this done? Do I use insulated connectors and how do I wire the spurs so they will work when I want them to?
Q3 similarly, how do I wire the crossovers so a train can go from one oval to the other?
Q4 Can anyone recommend a GOOD book on model train wiring?
Q5 Does the Atlas 311 power pack have enough power to do the job? I have about sixty feet of Atlas code 80 track in each oval, counting spurs. I am doing a logging railroad with short cars and do not plan on have a lot of cars.
I realize I have perhaps started as bit too advanced for a beginner, but I am seventy years old and would grow tired of a simple layout.
Thanks for your help. If you desire, you can email me directly which would be best for me. My email address is ravaenspirit@toast.net Just put "train help" in the subject.
Thanks again.
GerryO