Comments on: How to Wire a Modular Train Layout https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/12/how-to-wire-modular-train-layout.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-wire-modular-train-layout Model railroads and model trains Mon, 21 Dec 2015 17:09:28 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 By: Fred Cathers https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/12/how-to-wire-modular-train-layout.html#comment-11285 Mon, 21 Dec 2015 17:09:28 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3829#comment-11285 Hi Andrew,
There are as many ways to do this as there are responses and they are all good ideas. So it comes down to personal preference. Mine is terminal strips or Cinch-Jones connectors. Both are available as surplus on Ebay or my favorite surplus store All Electronics. Both devices have been around for years

]]> By: Jesse Menefee https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/12/how-to-wire-modular-train-layout.html#comment-11249 Fri, 18 Dec 2015 00:17:18 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3829#comment-11249 We all live in different locations, think differently so the shortest distance two points is a straight line. .What works best for you(short and long range) will be the answer.

]]> By: R. Olivarez https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/12/how-to-wire-modular-train-layout.html#comment-11247 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 22:21:19 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3829#comment-11247 My recommendation,;”Go with terminal blocks”.
They can be mounted on the underside of each module. Make sure that each terminal block lines up with the corresponding terminal block on the next nodule. Then all you need to do is use solid wire to jumper across the gaps between modules. When ready to move, just snip the jumper wires and move. When settled in the new location, you can remove the old wire pieces and re-jump the terminal blocks with new solid wire. If you plan to join a model railroad cub later, this would allow you to make adapter cables to electrically mate your module with their layout.

]]> By: steve https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/12/how-to-wire-modular-train-layout.html#comment-11241 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 15:25:01 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3829#comment-11241 In reply to Kevin Ching.

HO is a little different than my conventional O gauge 3 rail but here’s my general advice
1) use one bus line for your Ground for your entire layout
2) then cut and connect your 4 modules using Ford clips
3) do the same for your positive power
4) use 4 different colored tapes and mark each module differently. I did black + a color for my Grounds, and red + a color for my Hot Powers.
5) use the same methodology for you turnouts, and a separate one for accessories
I found this makes for easy identification should you get a problem
Steve
Steve

]]> By: Christopher https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/12/how-to-wire-modular-train-layout.html#comment-11237 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 13:10:44 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3829#comment-11237 In reply to Brod Brown.

These are called molex connectors. The pins size is based in the wire size too. Also there is a small tool that is used to remove the pins, it is called a push pin tool. Need nose pliers can be use to pull them into the connector. Connecting the wires to the pins you can compress the end on the pins either by a special tool ( which is expensive) or by compressing the tabs with pliers, and soldier the joint. They can be purchased in various configurations, width and by wire size. I use them in my layout. They also have a kit that has various sizes
Or you can buy packages of 3 or numbers required. The advantage of the kit you get the required crimper

]]> By: Trevor https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/12/how-to-wire-modular-train-layout.html#comment-11234 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 08:13:29 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3829#comment-11234 I am building a layout with 14 modules with DCC and CanBus so the most effective electrical couplings I have found are Aero type plugs available on a well known auction site, available in various sizes and very cheap

]]> By: Gerry https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/12/how-to-wire-modular-train-layout.html#comment-11231 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 07:08:46 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3829#comment-11231 If you have a lot of wires RJ 11’s RJ-45’s telephone connectors really work well they’re easy to disconnect And connect, connect makeing it a whole lot easier if you have modules that you want to transport as well.

]]> By: Newman Atkinson https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/12/how-to-wire-modular-train-layout.html#comment-11225 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 04:31:08 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3829#comment-11225 I use 4 prong trailer plugs and if I need more so the plugs don’t get mixed up I will reverse the next plug so the plugs cannot get mixed up from Newman

]]> By: Rob https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/12/how-to-wire-modular-train-layout.html#comment-11220 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 02:52:46 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3829#comment-11220 I am with a Modular group that uses Molex connectors. We use 4 pin connectors for the main DCC bus. Then 2 pin for a 12 volt bus. Fry’s electronics is a good source here in the western United States. Molex makes single pin to at least 12 pin plugs.

]]> By: Loyd Bowman https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/12/how-to-wire-modular-train-layout.html#comment-11218 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 01:29:43 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3829#comment-11218 If you are using DCC, the least expensive and availability Trailer Light Wire 4 Way Wire Flat Connector (male and female). They have 4 pins using 2 for the track wires and 2 for accessories. If you are running buss wires you can buy quick wire connecters for trailers to hook up the lead wires form the track. Also you might want to buy Car light bulb electrical grease to put in the plug connectors to prevent any problems because of possible corrosion later on.

The connectors will work for block wiring. You just need more and be sure to label them, did I say be sure to label them.

Hope this gives you an idea, loyd

]]> By: Dave https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/12/how-to-wire-modular-train-layout.html#comment-11217 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 01:15:45 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3829#comment-11217 Try Luminaire Disconnect Plugs, item # 30-1302S Power Plug from Home Depot. I got these in quantity very cheaply and they work GREAT! Fairly fool proof.Sorry the attached photo is blurry. I hope my model skills are better than my photo skills.

]]> By: D Rankin https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/12/how-to-wire-modular-train-layout.html#comment-11216 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 01:07:02 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3829#comment-11216 And if you are going to join a club usually the club and plugs to give to you or they will tell you what to buy so you can join up and they will tell you how to wire your modules for all the wiring is correct to match up with there’s

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