Model Railroad Construction - Building a Model Toy Train Layout

Toy Train Catalog

A Short Primer On The Differnt Scales Of Toy Trains HO - G - N - Z - O

Model Train Track Wiring For Electric Model Trains

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The trains circle the track, smoke comes from the stack, horns whistle and lights flash. There’s a lot of activity on a model train layout. And it all depends on electricity which is supplied by the transformer. It pays to have a good quality transformer to power the layout. Generally, the transformer which comes with the train set is small, able to handle only a single train and limited accessories. Larger layouts require bigger power packs which can range from .6 amps running up to three trains to 2.5 amps which can power as many as six locomotives. The MRC Dualpower has two throttles for independent control of two trains. Up to three trains can be controlled by each throttle.

The transformer is powered by standard 110-120 household current. There are two sets of power lugs on the transformer - AC and DC. The trains are powered off the DC lugs. DO NOT hook the track up to the AC power lugs. You will burn up the motor in the locomotive, ruining it. Accessories like lights and track switches run off the AC lugs. Lights and accessories can also run off the DC lugs, but you will drain power away from the trains. Power supplied to the track and accessories is extremely low voltage so there is little chance of electric shock from the layout.

You can also control the trains direction on the track with the transformer. Smaller transformers achieve this by simply twisting the throttle in opposite directions. Better transformers have a separate switch which reverses power to the tracks, changing the direction of the locomotive. Better quality transformers also have an ON/OFF switch on them. Smaller transformers lack a switch and must be unplugged after each use.

Since the current supplied to a layout is low, the wiring carrying the current can be small diameter low voltage wire. You will find this wire at any hobby or electronic store. One, two, three, and four conductor wire is common, with a variety of uses ranging from track power supply, remote switches, and other accessories.

While at your hobby shop you will find a variety of wiring hardware designed to make wiring the layout easy. Spade connectors, quick connectors, and wire connectors are all used to make neat, clean wiring jobs.

You will also find various switches and controllers to regulate power to the track and accessories. Some of these are simple on/off switches, and others reverse the polarity of the current, allowing two trains operating from the same transformer to travel opposite directions. Other switches handle the electrical demands of more complex layouts.

Track connections from transformer to track can be handled one of three ways. Plug in connectors are usually supplied with train sets. These are the easiest to use, but the plug can work loose with repeated use, causing an erratic power supply to the track. A special track section called a terminal track can also be used. It is available in either straight or curve, and is an improvement over the plug-in connector. The best method of connecting a power source to the track is called a terminal connector. The connector replaces the rail joiner, which connects the rail sections. It provides the most reliable power connection of any other connector. Most layouts benefit from multiple track connections to the transformer. Connections about every six to eight feet greatly improve train performance.

For a more detailed discussion of track and layout wiring see The Complete Atlas Wiring Book

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