Technical
Everything on model trains, model railroads, model railways, locomotives, model train layouts, scenery, wiring, DCC and more. Enjoy the world's best hobby... model railroading!
HO Wiring a Layout with Feeder Wires
Patrick is asking readers for advice:
“I’ve done a lot of reserch on how to wire a layout. I understand that 14 guage wire is for the buss line, and 18-22 guage is used for feeders. I found 20 guage wire, bell wire. I was wondering could I use that for feeders? I am having difficulty understanding about common wires as this is my first actually layout. I have been into trains since I was a teenager, but I really need some help!”
Add your comments below.
Dual Power Pack Control
Jeff doesn’t say what scale he is operating, but he does have an electrical question for readers:
“For reasons too complicated to discuss here, I have two power packs (transformers) operating on my layout. One is for the mainline and the other is for the yard. My question is can I create a fire or electrical hazard in some way if I have both power packs controlling the same section of track? Fearing this possibility, I created an engine length transition track section between the two operating areas (ie the main line and yard area). This section is electrically isolated from each side and is controlled with a double pole, double throw, center off toggle switch. When a train has to move from the mainline into the yard (or vice versa), I switch the toggle so that the mainline power pack is feeding power to the transition section. Once the engine has fully entered the transition section, I flip the toggle so that the yard power pack is controlling the transition track. Is there a better way to do this or am I just being too cautious?”
Jeff, please be aware that the opinions of readers are simply personal opinions. You must always seek proper professional advice from a registered electrician if you think there could be a risk of fire, or someone getting an electric shock. We do not accept any responsibility for personal opinions expressed by readers on this blog.
O Electrical Wiring
Ronnie is new to the hobby and needs some experienced guidance:
“As I understand it, 027 turn out switches have 3 wires and the trun-out derives power directly from the track – is that correct? How can I wire indicator lights on my panel to indicate Turn or Straight? I have a KW transformer and wonder if I can wire them directly from the 14V post? I need the simplest solution as this is my first layout. Thank you.”
If you would like to give Ronnie some advice, then please use the comments link below. I’m sure he would appreciate it.
G Scale Motor Power
Tapan asks readers:
“How much RPM is required in a locomotive of G – Scale motor?”
Comment below.
Sneak Peek Inside The Model Train Club
My new online Model Train Club is proving really popular and the feedback from members is very encouraging.
Randy has kindly made a video with a quick inside look around the club. I’ve put it on the blog for you to watch. Click here to read more about the Model Train Club.
Point Motors and Switches
John would like some advise, so please comment if you can assist:
“My layout is N scale. I am installing 18 Peco PL-10 Point Motors and Switches, plus 1 CDU. I am wiring the + and – cnnections from the CDU via a Bus to the Motors and Switches. My question is can I connect the third wire which I am using yellow wire for to a separate Bus, or does each yellow wire need to be connected from the switch directly to the individual Point Motor? I have very little electrical knowledge.”
Culvert Loader And Unloader Wiring
Ron wants advice from readers and asks:
“I recently obtained an O Lionel #345 Culvert Loader (6-22965) and a Lionel #342 Culvert unloader (6-22975). Both are wired for Command Contol only. I need any recommendations on how to wire them for conventional operation.”
Comment below.
Setting Up and Wiring for a Railroad Crossing
Charlene works in HO scale and asks readers for advice:
“We have a nce 5 amp power amp and cab would like to add a railroad crossing to make it work when the trains approach. I am just not sure as how to go about wiring it to a distribution board or to the track. I would like it to work automatically without having to run around and set off a switch. I would appreciate any help you could give us.”
Add your comments below.
Transformer LGB Trains
Craig has a transformer question for readers:
“I am not using the transformer that I had purchased for my HO trains, and wonder if I can use it to run my LGB trains?”
Comment below.
00 Electrics Wiring
I don’t know whether Vic has read my Model Train Help ebook, but he is wanting some tips on wiring for DC and DCC. He wants to know if there are any simple ways.
Readers might like to offer Vic some suggestions.
Voltage Drop
Doc has a garden railroad and others for advice:
“From the power supply on a garden railroad how many feet between connections to keep the voltage from dropping and the amperage going up. How often do you tap on to the tracks to maintain a good voltage along its full length.”
Garden rail enthusiasts might like to offer some tips.
Electrofrogs
Raymond has a question for readers on electro frogs:
“I am setting up electrofrogs for dcc and need guidance. The instructions show me how to wire it to the buss bar, but I can not see how that works with out a decoder set up. My operation is NCE POWER CAB which I will link up SB3a 5amp dcc power unit.”
Comment below
Salota Type 3701 oo DCC Controller
“My grandson has been given the knocked down layout together with engines all controlled by a Salota Type 3701 controller by someone whose father had died and her children did not want it. This is obviously an early DCC unit. Can anyone provide some information on this system?”
00 Gauge Wiring Diagram
Andrew asks readers:
“How do I wire a PM2 seep motor using press to make contact switches?”
Comment below.
Shinohara Switch Conversion
Al also has a question on DCC switches and asks readers:
“What is the best and easiest way to convert Shinohara switches to DCC friendly switches? I am told that I only need to gap the diverging tracks from the frog and that no special wiring or jumpers are required. Is this correct?”
Add your comment below.
Power Needed To Run Trains
Brian has a pwer output question for readers and asks:
“I have two different 0 track layout on my 51″ x 132″ table. On one layout I have the Pennsylvania Flyer 0-8-0 Freight Starter Set with a CW 40 transformer. On this layout there is 14 straight 10 inch tracks and 8 036 curves. On the second layout I have The North pole centrale starter set with a CW 40 tansformer and this layout has 8 straight 10 inch tracks with 10 036 curves and two remote control switches, one left and one right. My question is about the transformers on these layout, are they powerful enought to handle the tracks on each layout. Thanks. I am very new to model trains.”
Readers can comment below.
14 volts 16 volts
Erik is a beginner and asks readers:
“I am new to trains. Can I run a 14 volt engine on a transformer with 16 volts output on my HO layout?”
Add your answer below.
Opening Flaps Electrics
Jim has a question for readers:
“My double oo rail layout is entered by a removable section at the door entrance. Can some one advise me as to the best way to wire the removable section so as to provide a reliable electrical connection?”
Comment below.
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