Electrical Devices Responsible For Bringing Your Model To Life

By Daryl Clayton Kennedy

Model railroad replicas need electricity and a handful of special tools and components to operate. Without these special tools and devices your model train layout will simply sit and stair back at you as if to say, what the heck are you waiting for turn me on.

Lets outline the tools needed for this electrifying task. Firstly you'll need a good screwdriver for locking in connections. Secondly, long nose pliers are handy as they work perfectly for wrapping wire around tiny connectors.

Thirdly, you'll without question want to have a good pair of wire cutter handy as they make shaving wire insulation the light duty it's intended to be. Next a smoldering soldering iron capable of no less than handling 25-30 watts is recommended. In addition their are soldering tools with handles in the shape of pistol grips are used in cases where thicker gauge wire is used, i.e. 10AWG to 14AWG

Their are Solderless Connectors for Those Who Wish to Use Them Within Their Layouts

Yes! There is an option other than breaking out your soldering tools. Such accessories as forked connectors may also be incorporated to make solid connections.This is the most commonly used attachment in the model train industry to complete electrical circuits. Unfortunately some connections will insist on soldering, although they are usually saved for larger wire.

For easy installation you may want to consider Tap-in or Suitcase connectors. They are special as they require no wire stripping, simply push the exposed wire in the Tap-in connector and wash your hands of the dirty work. You as a modeler may know these connectors as (IDCs), better identified as Insulated Displacement Connectors.

Your Model Train Layout Would Be Lost Without Electrical Switches and Power Supplies

Just as with most things in a capitalistic society there are quality switches and poorly constructed switches. One works well for a lengthy period of time and the other.... well let's just say buy the best switch within your budget. There is no need to replace swithces once a month when you can purchase the better of the bunch and have it last, possibly the life time of your layout. Radio Shack has a good selection and you can trust their return policy although I doubt you'll need it.

Lastly, your power supply is as you know the heart of you layout and should be treated with care. Here is a useful tip you're sure to incorporate into your plans. try to use only one power pack to operate your locomotives and a second independent pack for your layouts add ons.

To close, I'd like to say this. Use Multi Port Power Strips to help stop overloads! It may keep your layout safe from an ugly ending by protecting it and all it's components. - 30326

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