Wiring your model railroad track

To read this great article with pictures click here
-albert williamson


Model railroader Pam Lindsey show how to wire track.

Materials:

HO-scale transformer
Power rail joiners
Rail nippers
Wire strippers
Flathead screwdriver
Eraser-type track-cleaning tool
Power drill, with 1" and 1/4" bits
8" two-part wire
Safety glasses
Soldering iron and solder

1. Position a transformer at any corner of your layout, in a spot where you don't plan to build anything. Be sure it's close to the track but not close enough to interfere with the operation of the train. The transformer is positioned close to the track to minimize exposed wires. It's important to make sure there's enough room between the power pack and the track so that the power-supply cord doesn't interfere with the train's smooth operation.

2. Drill two holes with a 1/4" bit -- on one side of the track, next to the rail, and between the ties, directly across from the transformer box. Drill through the cork rail bed, the insulation board and the plywood to create a hole so the wires can be run under the board and out of sight.

3. Using a hobby knife, cut a 2" by 2" square from the insulation board down to the plywood, approximately 2" behind the transformer. Remove and discard the square of insulation.

4. Using a 1" bit, drill two holes side by side and overlapping through the plywood in the area exposed when the 2" by 2" piece of insulation was removed (figure A). The hole must be large enough to accommodate the power-supply cord so it can be dropped through the hole and under the table.

5. Take approximately 8" of flexible two-part wire, and pull the wires apart. Do not remove the plastic covering on the wires. Feed one wire through one of the holes drilled beside the track in step 2, keeping approximately 1 1/2" of wire above the table. Repeat with the second wire on the other side of the track (figure B).

6. Use wire strippers to remove approximately 1/2" of the plastic coating at the end of each of the wires that remain above the table. With a soldering iron and solder, touch the side of the rail approximately two railroad ties away from the spot where the wire comes up through the holes in the table (figure C), and leave a small drop of solder on the side of the rail. Solder on the outside of the rail, and don't leave solder on the top of the rail, as it would make the train derail.

7. Touch the solder and the soldering iron to the stripped end of each wire, leaving a small drop of solder on each wire. Turn the wire horizontal with the rail, and join the wire and the rail (figure D) with the soldering iron, making sure the wire is even with the rail. Repeat the process on the other side of the rail, using the second stripped wire.

8. Now you'll need to attach the other ends of the wires to the back of the transformer box. Bring the wires from under the table through the hole you created in it. Use wire strippers to remove approximately 1/2" of the plastic covering from the end of each wire. Twist the individual strands from each exposed wire (figure E) over each other. Bend the end of each wire to create a small hook, which will make it easier to place the wire on the back of the transformer. Position each hook so it's facing the direction in which the screw rotates when tightened. With wire wrapped around each screw, under the head, tighten the screws (figure F) at the spot marked "variable DC." Transformers vary greatly, so make sure to read the directions in the owner's manual.

9. Run the power-supply cord from the back of the transformer through the hole in the table (figure G). Before plugging in the power supply, use an eraser-type track cleaner to remove any solder or particles that may have gotten on the track . Brush the track cleaner back and forth along the track a few times, making sure to follow the rails.

10. Plug the power supply into a standard household outlet, and test the track with the first run of your engine (figure H).