Hi.

I am looking to create a new layout as per the attached image; the red dots indicate proposed power connection points. The longest length is 4m x 1.1m. I am using Marklin C track, with a Z21 controller and iTrain, with occupancy detection.

I know that usually it is suggested that a track power bus is installed around the layout and then drop wires are used from the track to this bus.

However, I was wondering if there were any operational reasons why the wires from the track connections cannot be run back to the front of the layout and then connected using a strip connector? I appreciate that I will use more wire and I will probably need to increase the gauge of the wire itself.

Very many thanks

Screenshot 2025-09-02 at 08.07.25.png (2,183kb) downloaded 38 time(s).

Power bus is the way to go. Trust me.

Do you have a specific reason for using current sensing instead of ground sensing, which probably >99 % of all C track users, are using?

Why not ground sensing? Easy and fail proof with Marklin 3-rail design.
Ben

Ground sensing uses track with one outer rail isolated. When metal wheels pass over that track they create a ground connection, sensed by a sensor box. Power to sensor track is uninterrupted and continuous with rest of layout. Works on m, c and k rails.

I believe that current sensing requires power isolation segments (extra wiring), whereas ground sensing can be installed anywhere without power supply breaks. Both require a sensor hub to communicate with central station.

I think it is worth pointing out that current sensing will only report vehicles currently drawing power. Ground sensing will report all vehicles with non isolated wheel sets – all Marklin and others for 3-rail. Wiring and isolation is about the same. The Marklin C-track isolators can be used to isolate rails as well. However, you have to cut the two connections of the rails on the underside of the C-track pieces involved. I had all my C-track cut except for turnouts.