Saturday, January 23, 2010

Electrical Tools and Components Needed to Bring Your Model Train Layout to Life

By Daryl Clayton Kennedy

Model train layouts cannot operate without the magic of electricity pulsating through their wires. There are electrical devices needed and an narrow selection of tools used in tying electricity to life like replicas.

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, wire strippers make stripping wire a breeze as they are designed to do this task with ease. Fourthly, soldering irons are an absolute necessity when hard wiring connections. Usually a pencil style iron of 25 to 30 watts does the trick for most layout applications although a larger pistol grip style iron is best rated for use in larger wire i.e. 10AWG to 14AWG.

Solderless Connectors - Paving the Way for Easy Painless Connections in Model Train Layouts

As an alternative to using a bulky soldering gun. Forked connectors are used to connect wires to busses and tracks. Though this format may not be the best case scenario for all connections, it will work for your less challenging electrical mergers such as connecting wires to busses and similar connections.

Suit case or tap-in connectors are your best choice if you want to avoid the time consuming art of soldering. With these user friendly support accessories stripping wire isn't necessary. Simply slip the wire in the bus and you're off and running. These devices are also know as Insulated displacement connectors.

Power Supplies and Electrical Switches - Your Model Train Layout Wont Without Them

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. - 16887

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