Evolution of Grindham Shed

Sections

Chapter 4: Wiring

This chapter is about the design and installation of the electrical systems in the layout. Early planning and design of the electrics is vitally important and is best done before any track laying commences. This will allow adequate isolating sections to be incorporated - these will be a major requirement for the shed.

A layout such as this is an ideal candidate for DCC - this would obviate the need for much of the complexity of wiring required. I think DCC is a fantastic development, particularly the provision of sound, which adds a whole new dimension to a layout. However, I am not sure I am ready to commit the time and cost required to convert to DCC, but I shall enjoy watching and listening to DCC equipped layouts at exhibitions! Being reasonably familiar with electrics, the wiring holds no terrors; I hope that the following will help take some of the mystery away for others.

Sections

Having completed the track planning, a design for the electrical sections was drawn up as can be seen, again using CAD - such a worthwhile investment. This is based on a simple schematic of the track, with isolating sections added. These are of two types - isolating the common crossing to allow for the polarity to be switched when the points change, and simple isolating sections to allow locomotives to be stored at various locations on the layout.

The ubiquitous GWR "Pannier" tank has been taken as the "unit" for length of section; larger engines will occupy two sections, which should be adequate even for the 47XX class.

The different areas have been colour coded, and corresponding colours will be used in the wiring diagram that will follow

Isolating Switches

This is the partially completed wiring diagram for the isolating switches required for the layout. I have used the colour scheme adopted previously for each section of the layout. This will make it easier to trace any wiring problems in due course

Each section is identified by a short mnemonic and number, as seen on the accompanying diagram. These will be replicated at strategic points on the baseboard and control panel.

The banks of switches will be mounted on a control panel that will have a schematic diagram of the layout.

Next Step

The next step will be to complete the isolating switch diagram, and to produce the overall wiring diagram. The diagrams produced so far are sufficient to enable track construction to commence, as isolating sections have been identified; suitable dropper wires will be attached to each section of track as it is laid. Sourcing suitable wire in the variey of colours required may be difficult, but labelling terminations in appropriate colours will be an alternative method to identify individual circuits.