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Hi Dave
I too am in the advanced years category and also faced this dilema about a year or so ago. After much research, I opted to retain my DC wiring system and to add a DCC system to run alongside it, the whole layout is now switchable between DC and DCC so has the ability to run either type of loco. Should you decide to do the same, then none of your hard work will be a waste, but one thing you need to remember is to switch all isolating sections to ON when running DCC. Also, don't allow DC locos to stand on the rails whilst running DCC or you'll eventually burn the motors out.
For the main feed wires to power the layout (called a 'bus' because it carries power round the layout) I used the solid single core black and red wires stripped out of some mains electrical cable - that suitable for lighting circuits is adequate. The heavier (gauge) wire used to power sockets is a bit of an overkill IMHO. For my Droppers (so called because they drop through the baseboard) I used solid single core 'bell wire' soldered to the rails and connected to the 'bus' under the layout with Halfords blue cable clips - make sure you get the polarity to each rail correct.
If going DCC, do your research and buy the best you can afford, you won't regret it. (I went for an NCE ProCab).
Best of luck and, if you get stuck somewhere (I did several times), just post the problem and someone will sort it for you - they're an extremely helpful group of people on here.
Mike
ps. I can spell 'antidisestablishmentarianism' as well - must be an age thing...
I too am in the advanced years category and also faced this dilema about a year or so ago. After much research, I opted to retain my DC wiring system and to add a DCC system to run alongside it, the whole layout is now switchable between DC and DCC so has the ability to run either type of loco. Should you decide to do the same, then none of your hard work will be a waste, but one thing you need to remember is to switch all isolating sections to ON when running DCC. Also, don't allow DC locos to stand on the rails whilst running DCC or you'll eventually burn the motors out.
For the main feed wires to power the layout (called a 'bus' because it carries power round the layout) I used the solid single core black and red wires stripped out of some mains electrical cable - that suitable for lighting circuits is adequate. The heavier (gauge) wire used to power sockets is a bit of an overkill IMHO. For my Droppers (so called because they drop through the baseboard) I used solid single core 'bell wire' soldered to the rails and connected to the 'bus' under the layout with Halfords blue cable clips - make sure you get the polarity to each rail correct.
If going DCC, do your research and buy the best you can afford, you won't regret it. (I went for an NCE ProCab).
Best of luck and, if you get stuck somewhere (I did several times), just post the problem and someone will sort it for you - they're an extremely helpful group of people on here.
Mike
ps. I can spell 'antidisestablishmentarianism' as well - must be an age thing...
