Wiring the first stage of track

The power bus consists of three pairs of multi-strand wire.
Main [M], Loop [L] and Signal power [S]

This "Loop" designation is for the complete loop-circuit.  I can run one train on this circuit while operating another on the rest of the "Main".  Later, I am referring to the reverse-loop wiring which is part of the Loop power bus.  [clear-as-mud]

The feeders were spliced into the bus wires using "suitcase" connectors.  They squeeze the inner copper core but do not cut it.

bottom view of layout

The CONTROL PANEL was a lot of work.  [subject for another post]  It provides isolation blocks for the 9 track segments.  The rest of the segments are directly connected to the Main or Loop bus wires. The Loop & Main circuits (labelled MAIN on the panel face) and reversing-loop section (labelled LOOP) can be toggled in polarity so that operator (me) can turn the train completely.  The yellow toggle is for splitting the power into two areas, Loop path and Main tracks (the rest).  In the ONE TRACK position means the controller is connected to all tracks.  TWO TRACKS means a second controller will be powering the Loop path.

The design is based on single operator.  I park a train in a block and isolate it using the mini-toggle.  I then place on-line another block with a second train parked on it and operate that train.  I did not wish to go down the path of DCC controlled chips.  Bandai [BTrain] models are tiny.  Only spare room for lead weights.

Control Panel

closer view of rear control panel