Another method is to run a loop of 14 ga wire around the layout, connect the ends together, and run that to the transformer. Connect to the loop of witre with tap splices.
Kurt
Mchavez215 Thanks. The switches are Lionel track-powered. Is there a device (like a terminal block) I can use to gather wires together and then take just 2 leads to the transformer? I've looked at a couple at the hardware stores, and they aren't set up correctly.
Thanks. The switches are Lionel track-powered. Is there a device (like a terminal block) I can use to gather wires together and then take just 2 leads to the transformer? I've looked at a couple at the hardware stores, and they aren't set up correctly.
Even though the switches are track powered you may want to watch the voltage to the switches, newer switches are rated at 14 volts maximum. If you apply full power on a long straight section that can be more than 14 volts going to the switch. I had a problem with Lionel's # 6-23010 & 23010 series switches, don't know what happened to them but over voltage is something I am not ruling out. The older 022 switches made before the 1980's can take almost 20 volts and have no problems.
About hooking up more than two wires together; you can use wire nuts or a block from an old fuse panel box that somebody is throwing out, or you can buy a negative terminal block at Home Depot in the electrical section.
Lee F.
For street lights or lights in buildings you can use a small watt(40 to 60 watt) transformer if you have one or the accessory side of almost any transformer that has accessory output. Wire the lights in paralllel(two wires, one positive & one negative to each light) this will save you on the voltage needed and not series(one wire between lights) as this needs more voltage and will drive you crazy when one light goes out. The most lights that you should put on a circuit is probally eight to ten unless you have a higher power transformer.
Switches can be wired from accessory post of most transformers, however watch your voltage! Read the instruction manual on the newer switches as they don't like the higher voltages(fried circuit board) that the original 022's will take. You can several switches on one accessory post as usually only or two switches will ever be thrown at once.
Is there a good article about wiring accessories? I would like to hook several "like" accessories together with switches and then to one power source (i.e., the transformer), but I am a total novice at this (my first layout). My desire is to "link" all the building lights on one switch, the streetlights on another switch, the track signals on another, traffic lights on another, etc. None of these rely on signals from passing trains, etc. I've looked at Radio Shack for a device where I can hook groups together, but am lost. Help! Thanks, Mark
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