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Connecting Bus Wires

Philip writes:

“Hi, I’m new here and would like to run a bus wire for my new layout, a 12×5 L shape. How many wires are in a bus and how often do I connect the feeder wires?”

Please add your suggestions under this post.

5 Responses to Connecting Bus Wires

  • Alan Sandsrule says:

    There are 2 wires, I attach feeder wires to each rail joiner, if you use Black and Red for your bus wires then use the same colors for your dropper wires, red to red, black to black

    Alan Sandsrule
    Perth Western Australia

  • Mr Bruce Woods says:

    You only need 2wires for your Bus one for Positive and another for Negative (ie Red/Black).
    Connect droppers every 2-3 feet

    • Don Procter says:

      Further to the above. Each dropper would have two wires and then soldered to the rail on either side of the joiner. You would do this ever 2nd joiner. In this way you avoid relying on the joiners to conduct electricity

  • Faizal Hathy says:

    Hi Phillip. I have replied Andy whois wiring hisN scale layout. I too have learnt from experience and now wire and service/repair locomotives, both DC and DCC.I am sure my post to Andy’s question would be of help to you as well.

    Faizal Hathy.
    Sri Lanka.

  • Ralph F. says:

    Hi Philip:
    Like everyone has mentioned, you only need two wires. Each bus drop down should be located about 5 feet apart when connecting to the main power line.

    Ralph
    Wyoming, USA

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