Garden Railway Forum

At what voltage should I run accessories (points/lights/etc) on my (upcoming) steam and battery powered garden railway? 12v? 24v? I propose to run power in a (buried) conduit along my layout (65m total length), with the mains transformer out of harm's way inside the house, therefore I will need quite a chunky wire size to carry the current without too much voltage drop. Perhaps I need more than 1 circuit? I want to install as much wiring, etc, as I can before I start building the railway itself, then no frustrating demolition 'down the track' (so to speak!)  Can anyone help me with the 'pros and cons' here?
Cheers,
Charles

For lights in buildings I go for LEDs which I run on 3 volts - I used to put a battery box and switch on each building, but then I didn't leave buildings out....................

Perhaps the aim at the moment might be to run a "ring main" in your chosen voltage(s) with "take off points" where you can connect accessories. As you're talking about powered points, I take it you're going 45mm gauge? Otherwise, use hand-operated points - much less to go wrong!

I remember from when I put the 12 v cabling in my narrowboat - the thicker, higher capacity cable, the less power loss. Cant remember exactly now but I ll try to find it. One thing about 12 v dc you mustnt put a ring main in, at least not out and and backto the battery/ transformer. Cant remember why that either but real electricians told me! I left the 230 stuff to them though. Good luck