Bus Wire... 12 or 14 Gauge?... Stranded or Solid?

[learmoia]

I'm getting ready to install bus wire, and I'm using Kato Unitrak, so I'd like to do Blue and White bus wires..

I have Red, White, and Black solid 12ga on hand, But Solid 12 gauge Blue is illusive and I don't need 500'

Blue wire can be found.. but almost all is stranded (12 or 14 ga)

Another option is use the Black and White I have on hand (where Black=Blue)

Thanks.

[Sumner]

Layout is 24 feet long but boosters are in the middle section so not too much length from any booster to the track section it powers.  I use 14 gauge (bottom two wires) for the track wiring (DCC 12 volt power) and 16 gauge for the top two wires, the 5 volt accessory wiring (mostly turnout servos).

More on the wiring ( HERE )

Sumner

[nickelplate759]

Solid wire is much easier to work with - stays where you put it, and works with those nifty 3M suitcase connectors.
Southwire makes 14AWG solid wire in blue:

https://www.amazon.com/Southwire-55669423-Primary-14-Gauge-100-Feet/dp/B003J636PI/

[C855B]

How much do you need? I have both solid and stranded #12 to spare in blue.

[Point353]

Digi-Key presently has in stock one 100' spool of Alpha brand #781201 12 AWG solid tinned copper conductor wire with blue PVC insulation.
Likewise for #781401 14 AWG.

[learmoia]

How much do you need? I have both solid and stranded #12 to spare in blue.

It turns out I will need 150'+ factoring in the addition down the road.

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Knowing I need more than 100' and qty jumps from 100 to 500 (no 250) It looks like Menards will be the best deal in the long run..