New Long Run

[NotNEYzer]

Just joined the forum here. Hello all.

I have a rather ambitious, yet simple N scale project. It has two reverse loops and 110 feet of track in between. Much will be suspended. (My wife agreed to let me tunnel through the living room into the bedroom at the ceiling.)

I have not yet purchased the electronics or the single loco and am looking for some guidance.

I assume I will need several power blocks. Any guess as to how many and amperage ?
Any suggestions on wiring the long run.
Would this layout be better suited to Digitrax or MRC considering I also want to have PC control via TrainController ?

In general, if someone can point me to more info I would greatly appreciate it. TIA !!

[Eastern Roads]

and glad to see you posting away already! Hmmm, sounds like a fun sort of layout idea. Especially since THE BOSS gave you trackage rights into the BEDROOM!! She must be a pretty understanding type woman!

Anyway, on to your question, (I'm sure you will get some other answers better than mine) Seeing the plan has two reverse loops, it kind of kills off a DC approach. Going with the reverse loop switches for DCC is the easiest way to do it, and I don't think you're going to need a large number of blocks to accomplish it either. I'm thinking it would be around three or four blocks, (one for each loop, and split the difference). Digitrax is the Grand Daddy of DCC, but seeing it's a pretty simple setup, you could run with just about any control system. MRC works too, but like I said, there are other members here, given a little time, that will come back and tell you their experiences with the digital in N scale.

Hope I helped a bit, we're glad to see you here, and hope to see you often!

[TallDude]

aboard!! Sounds like a fun project, my concern would be being able to see an N Scale train at ceiling level? Are you going to have scenery? is the track going to be offset a few inches from the edge of the platform you put in on in case of derailment? And if so, will you be able to see over that edge and see the train from wherever you will be sitting or laying?

Either DCC set should be fine for what you are wanting to do. If you must have computer control (I admit its pretty cool), you may want to look at JMRI at JMRI: A Java Model Railroad Interface It supports a variety of hardware, but not MRC at the moment. My old railroad club Delmarva Model Railroad Club | Welcome uses it on their big HO scale layout with Digitrax and it works pretty well.

[NotNEYzer]

Thanks or the help. This is exactly the kind of input I am looking for.

Eastern:
Yes she is. (once said I could park my Harley in the kitchen for the winter!).
I am leaning towards Digi but really don't want to change later. The expansion plans include a switch yard in an alcove that has a lot of space.

TallDude.
Excellent point about derailment. Did not have that resolved but your comment prompted further thought. I believe a fencing and wire system will allow sound, visibility along with safety for both trains and heads.
I was hesitant about using JMRI just from my past experiences with Open Source projects. They can suck up tremendous amounts of time. Furthermore I already have TrainController.

[ntlange]

Welcome! I myself being fairly new, thinks you came to a great place to ask questions.

Few questions myself also: are you planning on running more than 1 train at a time?

You mentioned "much will be suspended" what are you going to use for the elevation changes?

I would also have to agree that DCC will be the way to go. The reverse loop controllers will make easy work of your reverse loops. I am more familiar with Digitrax and would recommend the 5 amp starter sets like the Super Chief or Super Empire builder. The 2.5 amp zephyr probably doesn't have enough amps to carry to full length of the layout.

As to wiring the long run most people will run a large set of wires (18-14 gauge) under the layout along the track called a bus. Every 3 feet or so send a smaller gauge wire off the bus up to the track for power called feeders. (22-24 gauge)

Nate

[NotNEYzer]

Nate,

Thanks for the input.
I was planning on using a bus and you clarified the approach - thanks.

There is only 1 elevation change, 1 foot rise over a 14 foot span - is this grade OK ?

Since you mention the reverse loop; With DCC there should be no extra relays required (LK100), right ? Just one gap/isolation in the loop, the loco knows to continue in forward over the polarity change ?

First version will have single engine. Future expansion will convert one reverse loop into a switch yard with multiple consists. Hence the DCC and PC control. Yet only one loco on main line at a time.

As you all know, it is much more reassuring to hear from real ppl with real experience than to just read in a manual that something will work. Especially when making an investment in time and money.

[Eastern Roads]

Regarding the grade, it's pretty strong, but I don't think you'll have a problem with it, unless if you have a lightweight engine that can't take the load. Remember, it's YOUR layout, we're not counting rivets, or pulling out the micrometers here on you!!

I too joined up here to get input on my layout, and it definitely helped me figure things better, and overall become a better modeler. I had taken the "Lone Wolf" experience as far as I could take it.

BTW- In what State is "House" in??

[ntlange]

I am terrible at math but i believe you are looking at a 10-12% grade.? 12 inches over a 168 inch stretch is quite a jump. An example would be at 168 inches you can get a 2% grade with a 3.5 inch elevation. It is not much at all.

Here is some grade help.
http://modeltrains.about.com/od/layo...ack_grades.htm

[NotNEYzer]

Upon further investigation, it appears that the grade would be 7% (1 / 14). Apparently a bit much although some have had 6% n scale work but most comments I could find indicated a touch of remorse for building such grades. My alternative is to add a 12' span and enter the alcove from the other end, thus reducing the grade to 4%. This seems more feasible, permitting longer consists and more variety.

[ntlange]

7% isn't to bad, like ER (Mike) posted earlier, its your layout. If anything you will just have to add another loco. In my opinion the more the power the better the train! hehe.