I'm currently building an N scale layout on a door (36" x 80") and was wondering what's the best way to wire it? I was considering running the bus around the outside edge of the door, and the feeders out to it. I also have a 1" piece of foam on top of the door so wasn't sure if I should try drilling holes through it to wire the layout from the bottom. And since its a hollow door, how hard it would be to get the feeders and switch machines wires fed was another concern. Does anyone have any ideas, suggestions, or comments based on personal experience? Thanks for your help in advance.
I personally would drill through both the foam and the door and run the wires out the bottom. Then to install the wires try using a piece of brass tubing as a guide for the wires. That way the wires won't get caught on the foam or inside the door. After you have threaded the wires through just pull the tubing out.
Another easy way is to do like we do with foam, glue an ordinary plastic soda pop straw in the hole, cut off to desired length then leave it. Any wire repairs or additional wires are simple to slip through and it is already insulated. Works great in buildings to keep the wire from sagging into sight through the windows. There are different sizes available, and cheap by the hand full at a cafe. The little ones work well to route wire under existing scenery too.
Oh my heavens. I never in a million years would have thought of using straws. I have struggled with fishing wire through foam for years. That is absolutely brilliant in its simplicity. It's little gems like this that bring me back to check this board every day.
